Black History Month

Supporting Chicago's Black Communities

Black History Month in 2021 has undoubtedly taken on added significance after an incredibly difficult year in 2020. 360 CHICAGO stands with our Black employees, visitors, and neighbors in the fight for progressive social change to correct decades of institutionalized inequality.

We believe that celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Black Chicagoans is more important than ever, and one of the very best ways to do that is by patronizing the city's numerous Black-owned businesses. We have highlighted some of our favorites here and encourage you to visit them virtually and in-person when it is safe to do so. Short on funds? There are still plenty of ways you can volunteer your time and help make a difference.

Brown Sugar Bakery

Greater Grand Crossing

After unsuccessfully searching for a cake that reminded her of her childhood, Stephanie Hart spent many years perfecting the recipe. Eager to share her fond memories of love and community with the world, she opened Brown Sugar Bakery in 2004 and has since developed a client base that appreciates the love they taste in her cakes. Nearly 20 whole cake flavors are available! Conveniently located just blocks from I-94, you find yourself feeling right at home in this warm & fuzzy cafe. In 2013, Brown Sugar Bakery was awarded America’s Best Bakery on the Steve Harvey Show. Brown Sugar prides itself on being a part of joyous family occasions and creating the taste of sweet memories.

Batter & Berries

Lincoln Park

Batter & Berries was established in 2012 by Dr. Tanya & Craig Richardson with the goal of adding an eclectic world-class restaurant to the vibrant Chicago brunch scene. The idea was simple: offer the freshest food possible with flavors that people would come from all over the world to experience and want to come back for more. Always a supporter of community and local businesses, Batter & Berries have cultivated partnerships with several local artisans, craftspeople, and purveyors to provide a uniquely Chicago experience.

Eb & Flow Yoga Studio

Wicker Park

Eboni "Eb" Howard & Peggy Howard Moore were both seeking deeper meaning, better health, and a way to sustain an inner peace in the midst of their hectic and stressful lives. A transformative experience in Sedona helped the two founders of Eb & Flow Yoga learn to empower others to discover their own possibilities for healthier physical and mental states of being. Eb & Flow welcomes yogis of all skill levels to their Wicker Park studio where they will guide you through the transformational power of yoga.

Third Coast Comics

Rogers Park

Third Coast Comics first opened in 2008 and moved to their current Rogers Park location in 2016. Their goal is to bring longtime and casual comics fans a quality experience in a clean, comfortable environment. Finding a home on Loyola University's Lakeshore Campus has helped them better serve a wide variety of readers, from comic book lifers to the graphic novel-curious to unapologetically nerdy students with limited space and long reading lists. Third Coast has been nominated for the Will Eisner "Spirit of Comic Book Retailing" award 3 times.

Sip & Savor

Bronzeville

Founded by Trez V. Pugh, III Sip & Savor is a popular chain of high-end coffee houses on the Southside of Chicago. With locations in Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Rosenwald, and South Loop, Sip & Savor captures the positive energy and excitement of the Southside. They bring you the finest Fair Trade Certified coffees from around the world, as well as a wide selection of teas, mochas, lattes, and blended drinks. Sip & Savor coffees are known for their exceptional quality and flavor. #GetyourSipOn

Support These Local Organizations

My Block, My Hood, My City offers a variety of volunteer events, from snow shoveling to block clean-ups.
Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights works towards education equity, community development, and housing
Chicago Urban League works to achieve equity for black families
Chicago Foundation for Women helps women within the LGBTQI community, provides funding for entrepreneurial projects, and develops strategies for integrating work and home life
Chicago Cares is focused on volunteer work and community partnerships with an emphasis on neighborhood revitalization
Chicago Hopes for Kids helps disadvantaged youth in the school systems of Chicago
Chicago Children's Advocacy Center responds to instances of child abuse and exploitation. They partner with font line responders and are the only nonprofit in Chicago that works with child protection staff, law enforcement, mental health clinics, and medical experts all in one organization.
Chicago Commons provides early education, family engagement, and senior services. One of the largest non-profits for senior services including seniors with disabilities

Support Chicago's Black-owned businesses