Blog 2.0

 Achieve Growth, Promote Your Business with us or Get listed on our Black Business Guide, see details below:

Let us help you Spread the Word! about your new business, service you offer,  grand openings, art show, live or virtual, community events and much more.  

*What We can do for You...spread the word on social media, send an e-blast to KeithKNOWS members, post your flyer on this blog page, it's quick, easy, affordable!   *Get more details about our rates at KeithKNOWS2003@yahoo.com 

*If you are interested in being listed in our Black Business Guide, e-mail us for advertising rates, KeithKNOWS2003@yahoo.com    KeithKNOWS, Black Business Guide.  Buy Black, Support Blackowned.  https://keithknows.ning.com/page/black-business-guide

Shining A Spotlight on Small Black Business

Black Chef, trusted network to find top rated chefs, caterers, connect with other chefs,  in the culinary industry. www.blackchef.com

Code With Sharen, Black Mom of 3 Launches Online Bootcamp Teaching Kids Addicted to Video Games How to Code

https://codewithsharen.com/new

6 Figure Entrepreneurial Lab, founded by Angela Y. Ervin, for female CEOs, a unique workshop, podcast, and curriculum that was established to assist other like-minded entrepreneurs to expand their personal brands.  https://6figurelab.org/ 

Black Foodie Finder app, gives restaurant owners an extra platform to showcase their business and connect with a wider demographic. The Black Foodie Finder App is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. www.blackfoodiefinder.com

NiLu is an online lifestyle brand with a local retail experience, specializing in creating and curating excellently crafted accessories, exceptionally thoughtful gifts, and distinctly beautiful home goods. With a flagship store tucked in the heart of Harlem, we founded NiLu in 2015 to platform independent makers, introduce them to lovers of cultured pieces, and create a vibrant space for the community to make themselves at home. https://shopnilu.com/  (Pic: Prince Digital Collage by Makeba Rainey)

Stuyvesant™️ Champagne, Grown, Harvested and Bottled in France. Owner, M. Robinson born and raised in Brooklyn, New York (Bedford Stuyvesant). 21+ to follow....Drink Responsibly. She is one of the few African American women owning a Champagne brand https://www.stuyvesantchampagne.com/

CLIK, Wireless Earbuds,  are the world’s first live voice translation earbuds that enable travelers to speak to more than 2 billion people in 37 languages across the globe. https://mymanu.com/collections/mymanu-clik 

TurnSgnl app, Providing drivers real-time legal guidance from an attorney, all while their camera records the interaction. Attorneys are there to protect your rights and trained in de scalation, so you can rely on them to guide the interaction and get you home safely.  .https://www.turnsignl.com/ (Georgia)

Shoppe Black Holiday Gift Guide for 2021. https://shoppeblack.us/2021/11/shoppe-black-holiday-gift-guide-2021/

BOTL’D handcrafted, artisanal, small batch,  unique cocktails that are perfect for any occasion. From birthdays to anniversaries to special events.  Cocktails are crafted with top-shelf spirits, natural ingredients, natural sweeteners, and no preservatives. www.botld.co

Creole Creative Canvases offers a different approach to painting. We realize that the world is a canvas and we are the artist of our own lives. We all choose to paint our world as we see it. Shop their collection of blankets, paint kits, drinkware, puzzles, candles, greeting cards and more.  https://creolecreativecanvases.com/ 

45+ Black Owned Wineries & Business to Support. https://thesophisticatedlife.com/wine/42-black-owned-wineries-businesses/

Blackowned Pet Businesses.  https://shoppeblack.us/2020/09/black-owned-pet-businesses 

Looking for some gift giving ideas for the holidays, don't forget to checkout, KeithKNOWS Black Business Guide, and my favorites: https://keithknows.net/pages/black-business-guide

https://www.black-gifts.com/    https://www.etsy.com/shop/OAKouture     https://www.reflektiondesign.com/    

Afrocentric wrapping paper: https://unwrp.com/  http://www.melaninwrappingpaper.com/  culturegreetings.com https://shop.comfiart.com/search?type=product&q=rochelle+porter

Afrocentric Holiday Cards: https://culturegreetings.com/  https://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsByDelvon https://www.hallmark.com/shop-mahogany/  https://www.zazzle.com/ (Vintage cards)   https://jonmarcards.com/

Breaking Borders 2nd Edition: Breaking Borders is an inspirational guide to embolden black men and men of color to travel and gain access to opportunities and success around the world. Author,Adil Ismaaeel  https://www.greatnesstravels.com/product-page/breaking-borders

Wear Brims, Meet the two Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. members who made history at Nordstrom with their Black-owned luxury hat collection. Co-founders Tajh Crutch and Archie Clay III broke into the fashion industry in 2016 with their high-end hat line WEAR BRIMS. Modeled around three basic principles: family, faith, and confidence, the Troy University and Tuskegee University alums came together to break generational curses and secure their family’s future.  https://www.wearbrims.com/  (Georgia)

A Gentlemen’s Trove, Men gift boxes, valuable collection of assorted gifts for men for everyday, all occasions, anniversaries, etc.  gentlemanstrove.com  (Georgia)

KNOW More: Want the best hair extensions? Tired of wasting money? The Hair Shield is the BEST to store, transport and restore the beauty to your wigs, clip ins and human hair extensions.

Aloha Glamour, Alexis Williams, founder and CEO,  the world’s first “Afrowaiian” high fashion brand, has joined forces with the exclusive Simon Properties to create a unique Black-owned apparel boutique pop-up at one of Simon’s Prime Outlet Malls in Gulfport, Mississippi. The pop-up shop will run from October to December 2021 and makes history as the first synergy of its kind for the prominent Simon properties. https://alohaglamour.shop/

FLOURYSH™ marketplace fosters the discovery and growth of Black-owned brands through technology and live events. We speak the native tongue of our market because we are them. They are us. [F] is For community. For culture. For real. www.weflourysh.com

My Brand Black Business, Cheryl Fritz CEO and owner, a resource for Black-Owned Businesses,  empower Black entrepreneurs and CEOs by promoting valuable resources that stimulate entrepreneurship in African American communities. https://www.mybrandblackbusinesses.co/ 

Cards by Delvon, Handcrafted All Occasion Greeting Cards. (Holidays, Birthdays,  Thinking of You, note cards, etc.)  Cards are sold in sets of 6. https://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsByDelvon

KeithKNOWS: Delvon’s cards are meticulously designed with the buyer in mind and tailored just for them. Yes, he’s a dear friend of mind, and I have several of his cards, love them dearly! There's nothing that warm your heart more than a handcrafted card designed with tender loving care and creativity too. Did I mention Delvon's also an artist, photographer, a renaissance man. 

Brown and Healthy is more than a movement it is a global initiative + network! They have built a social network to foster a partnership and networking environment for like-minded people of African descent who want to expand their reach and bolster community, conversation, and connection throughout the African Diaspora. Their goal: Change the narrative and change the world. https://www.brownandhealthy.com/

Akina — a social gathering community for Black mothers, aunties, bonus moms and caregivers. Swahili for “strong family bond,” Akina (formerly known as Kijiji), is a first of its kind social experience that nurtures Black mothers and women in an online environment that connects, educates and inspires. With more than 20,000 women on the waitlist, Akina launched as one of the largest platforms to date where Black moms can connect in a community. https://meetakina.com/ 

Four Screens is a management, development, and production company that produces fresh new content celebrating under-represented voices. The company currently manages the Estate of music icon Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB) and boxing Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier. https://wefunder.com/four.screens

WeTheCulture is a dedicated space to celebrate Black creators by a highly melanated crew at Facebook.Our house, our rules. We love good vibes. We welcome differing opinions, but keep it constructive y’all. We keep it real. We encourage you to pull up as your most authentic self. https://www.facebook.com/wetheculture 

The Black Virtual Mall, rent a virtual kiosk, store or pop up shop in the black virtual mall, gain traffic and boost sales. The mall is a commercial digital space similar to its brick and mortar counterparts, equipped with storefront, a movie theatre, food court, patrons can access any black owned business that has a storefront.  https://theblackvirtualmall.info/

Three Places Black Entrepreneurs can apply for grants to help start or grow their business. https://www.blackenterprise.com/three-places-black-entrepreneurs-can-apply-for-grants-to-help-start-or-grow-their-business/

JeGo Technologies, Inc. Frederick Akpoghene is the founder,  a Black-owned designer and manufacturer of autonomous vehicles including self-driving pods that make it easy to connect consumers with services and products on the go; and will open their crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine for micro angel investors to invest in the same playing field as venture capitalists.  https://ttw.startengine.com/ttw/jego 

Eye Adom: The tour company showing he Beauty Of Ghana while supporting locals. Group & Private Tours.  https://www.eyeadomtravel.com

ByBlack Certification Program: Black Businesses apply for US Black Chambers To qualify for the no-cost certification process, businesses must provide proof that their business is 51 percent Black-owned, and also controlled by a Black business-owner. An online application must also be filled out to be processed and certified within about 30 days. Additionally, businesses can be listed on the ByBlack directory by registering and creating a profile to have their brands recognized. For more information about the ByBlack certification program,  https://usblackchambers.org/certification/

Lakay Designs, making your house a home.  Small batch manufacturing and distribution of African print designs for your home as well as everyday life.  www.lakaydesigns.com

 Moments making gifts from Black Creators & entrepreneurs.

https://www.target.com/finds/gift-lists/black-owned-brands

Natural Standard Abstract, full service title insurance agency with expertise in faith based developments, residential and commercial real estate transactions.  Osei Rubie and his son Nadir Rubie just announced the launch of a new podcast, “All Boxes Checked”, centered on the economic empowerment of Black communities. They will be speaking with industry leaders and influencers to help propel students and professionals towards entrepreneurship and sustainability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=1&v=iP9VyP59DEc&feature=youtu.be

Backstage Capital, founded by Arlan Hamilton, venture capitalist created with a conviction that backing “underestimated” founders could unlock overlooked value. https://backstagecapital.com

Sculpture Artist, Ayokunle Odeleye, http://www.odeleyesculpturestudios.com /He is the owner, primary designer and fabricator of Odeleye Sculpture Studios in Stone Mountain, Georgia. This studio specializes in the creation of large scale sculptures for public spaces in a variety of media. He has created sculptures for cities across the United States from Atlanta to Alaska, many of which have historic significance. The studio also creates finely crafted works of sculpture in a variety of hardwoods and mixed media. 

CRUXGG Kitchen Line Collection, Sleek and with Purpose, Created by Bronx-born culinary collective known as Ghetto Gastro, who are defining their own lane that transcends food, art, music, fashion and design. The Bronx is part of the team’s lifeblood, and every piece of the Ghetto Gastro universe is meant to uplift and celebrate the borough, and other places like it, as an unsung driver of global culture. Items available at selected Target  & William Sonoma  https://www.target.com/b/cruxgg/-/N-q643leo3ydf        https://cruxkitchen.com/ 

10 Black Founders Leading Wellness, Mental Health and Mindfulness Apps. https://urbangeekz.com/2021/06/10-black-founders-leading-wellness-mental-health-and-mindfulness-apps/ 

Melanated Wines & Spirits, The first Black-owned winery in Durham, NC, by LaShonda Fort-Modest, her goal with the winery is to uncork the culture and decomplicating the complexities found in trying to buy wine. https://melanatedwine.com/

Melanin Wrapping Paper specializes in making one of a kind gift wrap paper with Melanin in mind, strives to create top quality and unique wrapping paper.  www.melaninwrappingpaper.com

We Kin Folk, New Social Media Platform designed to be a fun space for everyone to meet up, post content, promote themselves or their brand. Advertising to local and national

Boaz  Bikes, is offering a MaaS solution based on an innovative, smart, electric two wheel ride-on scooter/bike, designed uniquely for sharing. https://www.boazbikes.com/ 

Justina Blakeney Shop the Jungalow, As one of the leading design personalities on the web,.Justina’s eponymous lifestyle brand, Justina Blakeney Homes, includes a wide range of lifestyle and home products including furniture, case goods, rugs, pillows, wallpaper, bedding and stationery. http://www.justinablakeney.com/shop-the-jungalow/

Savoir faire fragrances, unisex, bold, sensual, hand blended.  (Georgia) www.savoirfaire.store

 Hamilton Howell House. This boutique hotel is in the heart of Sweet Auburn in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, just around the corner from the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park and a mile from downtown, the Hamilton Howell House is a wonderful backdrop for your weekend or small event. https://www.hamiltonhowellhouse.com/  (Georgia)

Hasseem Abdallah(Woodwork Artist),  Self-Developed Artisan currently working with repurposed wood and creating beautiful works of art, inspired by ancient artifacts from all cultures. Also, taking reclaimed wood and transforming it into beautiful, authentic works of art. www.aswadart.com

Lalela Scarf exclusively supports Lalela, a non-profit arts education programme for at-risk youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The gorgeous designs that give the Lalela Scarf such vibrant appeal have been created using Lalela learners' original artworks, it is a sustainable cycle of life-changing art. https://lalelascarf.org/

Skinny Beats ATL is Atlanta’s newest retail destination for sound healing instruments, including crystal bowls, gongs, handspans, didgeridoos and more.  Founded by Jeremy Dalton, a musician with more than 20 years’ experience, the store is the first franchise issued by Skinny Beats Sound Shop, based in Asheville, North Carolina. https://www.skinnybeatsatl.com/ 

Dear Fathers Controls the Narrative of Black Fatherhood by Providing Resources and Conversation. The Premiere Media Platform dedicated to telling stories of black fathers from all angles while also empowering their community with tangible resources that inspire, heal, and strengthen the black man.   https://dearfathers.com/

KIISA is an Art Investment and Advisory company focused on developing transformative solutions for the Modern and Contemporary African & Diaspora art market. KIISA develops, curates and supports the Contemporary and African & Diaspora art market and ecosystem through investment products, and strategic/innovative platforms, that fosters engagement with investors, collectors, patrons, art professionals, arts organizations, and the wider public. At KIISA, we believe that visual art will play a vital role in generating a positive narrative and global impact as it is a powerful expression of both African and diaspora creativity and identity.  https://www.kiisaart.com/ (artwork by Amy Sherald)

Culture Greetings products are manufactured right here, in-house, in the USA, at their state of the art printing facility!  They Write. They Print. They Mail. It's simple: You pick a card and add a personal note. They  print, stamp and mail the cards to your recipient(s).  You also have the option of inserting a gift-card inside of the envelope. (Georgia)  https://culturegreetings.com/

Southern Roots Spice is a modern spice shop focused on helping you understand the world of spices and layering flavors. All natural, organic, chemical free, no pesticides, sourcing from independent sellers nationally.  Allspice, Annatto, black garlic, black truffle seasalt, harissa, Jamaican jerk, brisket rub,  African,  Mediterranean, all purpose blends, masala, curry,  no salt and many many more.    (Georgia) https://southernrootsspice.com/

BlackSpace organization, demands a present and future where Black people, Black spaces, and Black culture matter and thrive. Their collective brings together planners, architects, artists, and designers as Black urbanists, people who are passionate about the work of public systems and urban infrastructures. Locations, Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, Oklahoma  https://www.blackspace.org/ 

SOOFA (Stretch Out On Faith Again Ranch) use horses to change the lives of people.  Their programs includes helping children and adults overcome anxieties, build confidence and helping individuals become better communicators. They truly believe that connection with horses leads to better connection with people. Their programs include riding lessons, Trail rides and Equine assisted coaching.  https://www.soofaranch.com  (Georgia)

Anjel Tech app, Black Entrepreneur creates app to help film police brutality and alert family members. An app that allows users to immediately begin live streaming and transmitting footage to family members when they are in any type of dangerous situation.  https://www.anjel.tech/ 

OAKouture, one-of-a-kind creations for the fashion forward individual. If you like individuality and nice items that are one of a kind, that gotcha. Afrocentric clothes, backpacks, aprons, mud cloth items, totes, blankets, dog leashes, etc. https://www.etsy.com/shop/OAKouture (Georgia)

Elevate Your SociaLIFE!!!

(Note: COVID 19: For up-to-date information and recommendations to keep people (including the most vulnerable among us) safe, it’s essential to refer to trusted sources like local officials, the CDC, and WHO.  https://dph.georgia.gov/cdc-guidance,

https://www.cdc.gov/  https://www.who.int/

COVID-19 vaccines can protect you and your family. The vaccines are safe and offered at no charge to you. Everyone age 12 and over is eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Youth age 12 – 17 do not have to have a parent present, but must have a consent form signed by a parent.

FREE COVID-19 testing is now available on a walk-up basis. However, please pre-register by completing the online registration form prior to arriving on site. https://fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-vaccine https://fultoncountyga.gov/covid-19/covid-testing-sites 

Keeping You In the "KNOW"

5 Farro Breakfast Bowls with more fiber than oatmeal.

https://www.livestrong.com/article/13731124-farro-breakfast-bowl-recipes

58 Amazing Places in Georgia. https://www.atlantamagazine.com/travel/hidden-georgia-58-amazing-places-well-bet-youve-never-been (pic: Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse)

34 Eco Friendly Gifts. https://www.wellandgood.com/eco-friendly-gifts/

7 Best high interest checking accounts for December 2021 https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/bank-accounts/high-interest-checking-accounts.  

Kiin is a brick and mortar social club and third space for families.  They provide work, life, and play services and amenities to families such as: on demand, developmentally-appropriate childcare.  Adults only, distraction-free spaces for working and socializing.  Welcoming, inclusive environment to build community. https://www.findyourkiin.com/

 

7 Beautiful Places to Drink Tea in Atlanta. https://secretatlanta.co/best-afternoon-tea-room-house/ 

4 Ways to be your happiest, sunniest self, despite shorter days. https://www.wellandgood.com/happiness-tips-for-winter 

Publico Restaurant in Midtown Atlanta( on 12th Street) offers  Igloos and Cocktails by reservation only. A must-see winter wonderland decked out with over the top decorations and cozy igloos. Take in the stunning views of glistening Midtown Atlanta, complimenting the thousands of twinkling lights that’ve transformed the gastro pub into a fantastic festive experience. https://www.publicotapandkitchenatl.com/

 TSA PreCheck Renewal Fee Dropped to $70, but You Can Get It for $0. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/how-to-get-tsa-precheck-free  

Revenue vs Income: What’s the Difference? https://www.smallbusinessfunding.com/revenue-vs-income/

Outdoor art gallery, new mural and sculpture coming to the corridor by 10th Street Park, Midtown Atlanta  https://www.midtownatl.com/about/news-center/post/more-public-art-installations-coming-to-midtown

Strive.org, start a new career in 2022.  Tuition free certified program training, coaching skills to jumpstart your career. Learn more: www.Strive.org General Office Administration | Customer Service Specialist | Digital Skills for the Office, Microsoft Word and Excel Certificate of Completion

Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee bringing our history to light. https://www.abhmuseum.org/ 

ABHM is a historical and memorial museum about the Black Holocaust in America.

History museums study, exhibit, and interpret history. Memorial museums contextualize and commemorate past events of mass suffering.

Black History Road Trip Tours to Take This Fall.  https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/black-history-road-trips-around-the-us

Fulton County Senior Transportation for Seniors age 60 and above. Transportation via Uber/Lyft & Transdev. Must qualify to be eligible, M-F, 8:30am-5pm Only! Weekends do not apply. For all the details: 404-613-6000  If you are eligible, you will pay a one-time registration fee in the amount of $15. Seniors must have a credit card, debit card, or prepaid debit card on file to pay a $1 per ride charge. This charge is billed monthly. Participants may have no more than 16 rides per month with mileage limits of 15 miles for medical appointments and 10 miles for other trips (shopping, banking, social activities, etc.) 

Tiffany & Co. unveils first ever Engagement ring for men.  https://www.tiffany.com/engagement/shop/mens-engagement-rings/

Aventino Watches, Cost effective timepieces(watches), high quality, fashionable, inspired by Rome. https://aventinowatches.com Use KeithKNOWSculture15, get 15% off your purchase.

Travel State Gov, Safety. Security. Service. Our highest priority is to protect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens overseas. We do this through routine and emergency services to Americans at our embassies and consulates around the world. We serve our fellow citizens during their most important moments – births, deaths, disasters, arrests, and medical emergencies. The Bureau of Consular Affairs formulates and implements policy relating to immigration and consular services and ensures responsive and efficient provision of consular services overseas. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/about-us.html

Memorial to Enslaved Laborers: In fall 2016, the design team of Howeler + Yoon was selected and hired as the University of Virginia slavery memorial design consultant. They have been working to get community feedback about the proposed memorial (what might it look like? Where might it sit on Grounds? and so on…) from the wider community–students, faculty, staff, and our neighbors in Charlottesville and Albemarle county (and likely also other surrounding counties where many with UVA connections live today). The resulting design, we think, beautifully captures the tenor of those community conversations, honors the lives, labor, and resistance of the 4-5,000 enslaved people who lived and worked at UVA at some point between 1817 and 1865. The memorial includes 4,000 memory marks in their honor. As J. Meejin Yoon of the design team says, “The memorial invites exploration. You can reach out and touch every mark.”  (Charlottesville, VA)

https://slavery.virginia.edu/memorial-for-enslaved-laborers/

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice is sited on six acres of land in Montgomery, Alabama and is the first national memorial to victims of lynching in the US. In a city where markers commemorating the Confederate South still abound and markers to the Civil Rights Movement and slavery are few, the memorial provides the necessary space for truth-telling, hope, healing, and reconciliation. (Montgomery, AL) https://museumandmemorial.eji.org/

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a museum dedicated to the achievements of both the civil rights movement in the United States and the broader worldwide human rights movement. (Atlanta, GA)  https://www.civilandhumanrights.org/