While there's still much work to do to create a more equitable society for everyone, we’re thrilled that Juneteenth, the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, is now a federal holiday.
To recognize the rich history and achievements of Black culture in the U.S., we asked our team to share some of their favorite Black-owned businesses as well as their favorite music, books, films, and television shows created by Black artists.
We hope the contents of the lists below inspire you to support the Black business owners and artists in your community.
Businesses & Restaurants
Our favorite Black-owned spaces to grab a drink, have a snack, or break a sweat — from TrendyMinds team members who live near and far.
Indiana
- Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant in Indianapolis, IN
- Circadian Coffee in Indianapolis, IN
- Gordon’s Milkshake Bar in Indianapolis, IN
- King Ribs in Indianapolis, IN
- Maxine’s Chicken and Waffles in Indianapolis, IN
- Papa Bear’s Chicken in Indianapolis, IN
- Pure-trition Juice and Smoothie Bar in Indianapolis, IN
- Rise House Fitness Studio in Indianapolis, IN
- TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth in Indianapolis, IN
Florida
- Green Bench Brewing in St. Petersburg, FL
- Rays Vegan Soul Food in St. Petersburg, FL
Missouri
- Rufus Red Hots in Cape Girardeau, MO
Films
Our favorite movies from Black creatives, showcasing Black history and culture.
- Beyond the Lights
- Black Panther
- The Bodyguard
- Corrina, Corrina
- Do the Right Thing
- Get Out
- Girls Trip
- Hidden Figures
- Judas and the Black Messiah
- Just Mercy
- The Last Black Man in San Francisco
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
- Moonlight
- The Princess and the Frog
- Set It Off
- Soul
- Straight Outta Compton
- Us
- Waiting to Exhale
Television
Our favorite television series from Black creatives, sharing Black stories.
- Black-ish
- #BlackAF
- A Black Lady Sketch Show
- Chappelle's Show
- Dear White People
- Euphoria
- Family Matters
- The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- Grown-ish
- Insecure
- Little Fires Everywhere
- Lovecraft Country
- Pose
- Queen Sugar
- Sister, Sister
- Anything from the creative mind of Shonda Rhimes
- That's So Raven
- When They See Us
Literature
Our favorite novels from Black authors, exploring the Black cultural experience.
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
- The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett
- Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- Difficult Women and Hunger by Roxane Gay
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
- Beloved and Jazz by Toni Morrison
- A Promised Land by Barack Obama
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Mediocre by Ijeoma Oluo
- Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
- White Teeth by Zadie Smith
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred DeLois Taylor
- The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton
- Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
- Native Son by Richard Wright
- The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Music
Our favorite songs by Black artists.
- Any song by Beyoncé
- Save the Day by Mariah Carey and Ms. Lauryn Hill
- Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
- Bring It On Home to Me and What A Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
- Jamestown Ferry by Charley Crockett
- ROYL by Chloe x Halle
- Limbo Jazz by Duke Ellington and Coleman Hawkins
- Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
- Love and Happiness by Al Green
- Jealous Guy by Donny Hathaway
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
- That's the Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson
- If I Ain't Got You and No One by Alicia Keys
- 8TEEN and Let's Go by Khalid
- I Wanna Get Funky by Albert King
- Love & Hate by Michael Kiwanuka
- I Can Only Bliss Out (F'Days) by Laraaji
- C7osure or any other song by Lil Nas X
- Cuz I Love You and Juice by Lizzo
- Any song by Anderson Paak
- Any song by Prince
- The Tracks Of My Tears by Smokey Robinson
- California Soul by Marlena Shaw
- Leave the Door Open by Silk Sonic
- Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye by Bettye Swann
- Honesty by Pink Sweat$
- Good Days by SZA
- Hardest To Love by The Weeknd
- Lovely Day by Bill Withers
TrendyMinds has team members all over the United States, but we’re mainly based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Tampa Bay, Florida. To learn more and support Black communities in our cities, please consult these resources:
Indianapolis
Tampa Bay
For more on TrendyMinds’ commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, please read our recent blog post Looking Back, Moving Forward.
