Shopping for a great holiday present can be quite a challenge. It’s easy to find ourselves in a rut, hurriedly trying to check off items on wish lists without putting much thought into the gifts we choose.
Still, there are lots of exciting gift ideas from Black-owned brands and initiatives that not only offer unique and stylish products – they are also playing a significant role in advocating for Black empowerment.
These businesses continue to make a major impact in our communities because they remain committed to the institutions that bolster our advancement, such as creating job opportunities, supporting higher education and improving our health and well-being.
When choosing gifts from these companies, we aren’t just giving a present, we are contributing to our betterment. It’s a win-win situation where our loved ones receive something special, and we strengthen the causes that uplift us.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up a few amazing Black-owned businesses that offer high-quality gifts, but they also ensure our gift-giving is both special and impactful.
The Fifteen Percent Pledge Shop
The Fifteen Percent Pledge, founded by fashion designer and activist Aurora James, is an organization that encourages big box stores to be more diverse in the products they sell. They believe that since Black people make up about 15% of the U.S. population, stores should aim to have at least that same percentage of products from Black-owned brands on their shelves.
By holding these retailers accountable, the Pledge is not only shining a light on the lack of representation, but also helping to promote and support Black brands that often go unnoticed.
In addition to advocating for change, they have created a curated store where shoppers can discover a variety of great products and brands while making certain that the voices and talents of Black creators are recognized and celebrated.
The BirthFUND
Donating to organizations that support causes and people we care about can be a powerful way to show our love and appreciation. One meaningful way to take care of the Black mothers in our life is by contributing to the birthFUND, especially for end-of-year giving. This vital organization, founded by journalist and author Elaine Welteroth, helps provide essential capital for women to hire midwives or doulas who offer critical support during childbirth.
By donating to the birthFUND, you’re not just giving money; you’re helping to assure that more mothers have access to the care they need. It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate the Black mothers who are important to you and, make a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their children.
Uncle Nearest
For those on your gift list who enjoy a high-quality sip worth savoring, consider giving them a bottle of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, a remarkable spirit with a powerful story behind it.
The brainchild of CEO Fawn Weaver – she has been a serial entrepreneur for most of her life – Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was launched in 2017. Her journey began during a trip to Singapore with her husband, where she stumbled upon a photo of Jack Daniel alongside George Green. George is the son of a little-known master whiskey distiller named Nearest Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to craft Tennessee whiskey.
Intrigued by this connection, Weaver followed the story back to Tennessee and discovered that Nearest Green had a deep and impactful legacy in the world of whiskey. She was so inspired that she purchased a 300-acre farm in Lynchburg, Tennessee, where Nearest had educated Jack on how to distill. Despite having no prior experience in distilling, Weaver was determined to honor Green’s contributions, and opened the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey is an incredible success story. Having won more than 1,100 awards, it is the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history and the best-selling spirit brand founded by an African American, showcasing its commitment to producing a premium-grade product.
Not only will your loved one appreciate the thoughtful gift of one of the top libations in the world, but you will also be supporting a Black woman in business who makes a major impact in our community! Weaver is the founder of the Nearest Green Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers full scholarships to every descendant of Nearest Green, as well as creating and contributing to various initiatives that offer scholarships for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
In 2020, Uncle Nearest teamed up with Jack Daniel’s to launch the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative, a significant step towards promoting diversity and equity in the American whiskey distilling industry. This partnership involved a commitment of $5 million to create the Nearest Green School of Distilling at Motlow State Community College, where students can engage in a STEM-based curriculum focused on the art and science of distilling. In addition to the school, the initiative includes their Leadership Acceleration Program, designed for apprenticeships to help young people gain essential skills and experience in the field. Furthermore, the company’s Business Incubation Program provides crucial resources and support for African American entrepreneurs looking to break into the spirits industry.
Happy shopping!
