Black Lives Still Matter: Eliminating Racism Through Community Activism & Involvement

June is Black Lives Matter Month—an annual period of recognition and reflection born from the social justice movement itself. This month-long commemoration was established to provide an opportunity for folks across America to take a stand against racism through community involvement and empowerment.

To connect our community with valuable education and support resources, our 24G Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force started a conversation internally, calling for crew-recommended resources—both locally and globally—that uphold the mission of Black Lives Matter. The 24G crew enthusiastically delivered upon the challenge.

As our list continues to grow, we will be updating this post to include resources across businesses, community spaces, and organizations, as well as current and historical thought leaders in the technology, marketing, and creative industries. Be sure to save or bookmark this page for future updates!

Kicking off our recognitions, we began with the 24G crew’s most highly recommended and endorsed Community Spaces & Events:

Griffin Gardens | A community garden and space located on the northwest side of Detroit. Like and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages to add lush greenery to your timeline while staying in the know on upcoming events and volunteer dates.

Irwin House Global Art Center and Gallery | An arts destination born from the vision of Valerie Irwin and her late husband, Council B. Irwin, Jr. serving West End Detroit and the global art community. Irwin House Gallery produces exhibitions and multimedia programs exploring critical cultural and historical topics—bringing together artists, community, collectors, and enthusiasts in a creative and nurturing environment. Like and follow their pages on Facebook and Instagram for exquisite gallery views and events.

N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art | One of the most influential? and internationally respected contemporary abstract art galleries, N’Namdi Gallery displays the works of African-American master artists and local artists across four state-of-the-art exhibition spaces. In addition, this nonprofit organization also offers a variety of programs dedicated to promoting art understanding, education, and appreciation. Follow N'Namdi Center on Facebook and Instagram for their latest exhibitions and events.

Norwest Gallery of Art | A contemporary art space specializing in African and African-American works, based in the Historic Detroit Neighborhood of Rosedale Park. As Detroit's newest art gallery and museum, Norwest remains committed to promoting works of art that boast an engaging and explosive voice—providing collectors with access to the hottest artists around the globe. Like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for emerging contemporary artists, movements, and events.

Urban Organic | A multi-genre marketing and promotions company founded in 2001 with a focus on music, visual arts, film, and literature. Urban Organic’s aim is to connect creatives, entertainment professionals, and their respective works to various target audiences through events, product placement, talent booking, and media outreach. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for local promotions and events.

Next, we added our most highly recommended and crew-endorsed Organizations to the list:

The Avalon Village | A sustainable eco-village being built in Highland Park within the city of Detroit. Inspired by the life and memory of Jakobi RA, who was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver at the age of 2, The Avalon Village seeks to transform one of the city’s most blighted blocks into a safe, functional, and beautiful space for the entire community. Their first installation—Jakobi RA Park—serves as a gathering place for celebrations, community service projects, activities and events throughout the year. Construction, landscaping, and beautification is currently underway on The Homework House and The Goddess Marketplace. Future plans include The Avalon Village Healing House, The Blue Moon Cafe, and The Avalon Village Community Greenhouse. Follow their progress on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Black Bottom Garden Center | Determined to create a community impact that will last for generations to come, four African American women came together to open a new gardening center in the North End area of Detroit. They offer edible plant transplants, compost, compost tea, soil, seed packs, house plants, flower transplants, as well as monthly classes on gardening and food preservation. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for valuable garden resources and product updates.

Color of Change | The nation’s largest online racial justice organization, Color of Change leads campaigns that build real power for Black communities by challenging injustice, holding corporate and political leaders accountable, commissioning game-changing research on systems of inequality, and advancing solutions for racial justice that can transform our world. Join the movement by adding your email to Color of Change's newsletter. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube for updates on urgent racial justice initiatives.

Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN) | Working to build self-reliance, food security, and justice in Detroit’s Black community, DBCFSN progresses these initiatives by influencing public policy, engaging in urban agriculture, promoting healthy eating, encouraging cooperative buying, and directing youth towards careers in food-related fields.

Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund | A coalition of 3 long-standing Detroit urban farming organizations on a mission to rebuild inter-generational land ownership for Black Farmers in Detroit. Through food sovereignty and the revitalization of Detroit’s agricultural landscape, Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund honorably stewards funds to support Detroit’s Black Farmers in land acquisition and farm support. Follow their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels for updates and events.

Detroit People's Food Co-Op | An African American led, community-owned grocery cooperative, who's made it their purpose to provide improved access to healthy food and food education to Detroit residents. Meeting the needs of the community is achieved through the democratic control of the co-op by its members/owners. Like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for food education and involvement opportunities.

Detroit Will Breathe | Detroit Will Breathe is a movement formed on the streets of Detroit in the midst of an international movement against police brutality towards Black lives. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for local perspectives on the latest racial justice news and events.

The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) | A national network of organizations and individuals creating a broad political home for Black people to learn, organize, & take action—under the fundamental idea that we can achieve more together than we can separately. M4BL hosts intentionally curated and inclusive events—both virtually and in-person—making activism approachable. Add their newsletter to your inbox and support them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. | The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over the past 80 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive appointments. Join LDF's email newsletters and social channels—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube—for current updates on racial justice legal battles and ways to support.

Today, we include the 24G crew’s go-to Businesses (Goods & Services):

BLAC Detroit Magazine | The premier lifestyle magazine for African Americans in and around Detroit. BLAC? (an acronym for Black Life, Arts, & Culture) represents the many diverse and brilliant voices of the Black community by providing engaging, in-depth stories—sometimes difficult and sometimes transformative—on the people, places, and issues of importance to our community. Follow them across the web on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, Twitter, and YouTube.

Burn Rubber Detroit | Michigan's #1 sneaker, clothing, and lifestyle boutique, located downtown Royal Oak. First established in 2004, Burn Rubber saw new heights under the ownership of Rick Williams and Roland Coit who, in the words of famous 19th century artist Michelangelo, “saw the angel in the marble and I carved until [they] set him free"—regarding the restructuring of the 680 square foot shop when the duo took over in 2007. After the store's early feature in Northwest Airlines Sky Miles Magazine, Burn Rubber has since been featured in the “best of” issues of Real Detroit Magazine, the Metro Times, the Detroit News, Vapors Magazine, as well as renowned online fashion magazines Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, Nice Kicks, and Strictly Fitteds. Follow the boutique on Facebook and Instagram for their latest merch drops.

Comma Bookstore & Social Hub | Established in 2020, Comma specializes in thoughtfully curated BIPOC books, art, and products. Founded by two Flint, Michigan natives—Egypt and partner Dorian—they've since made it their mission to empower Flint's community through literacy, programming and culture focused events that enrich and impact lives. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for Flint Town community, culture, and event updates.

Détroit is the New Black | Once a humble, grassroots, African American fashion story that started out of the N’Namdi Center for Arts, Détroit is the New Black has since become known as an innovative distribution platform incubating, supporting, and uplifting emerging Black—and minority—owned brands in Detroit. Follow for their latest editorial and fashion content on Facebook and Instagram.

Flo Boutique | A creative and funky boutique offering eclectic, one-of-a-kind pieces from local, national, and international designers and artists alike. Named after owner Felicia Williams-Patrick's mother Florence, who lost her battle with lung cancer in 1999, Flo Boutique has been a West Willis Village staple for more than 15 years. Channeling a heavy '60s and '70s vibe, Williams-Patrick enjoys working with cotton and denim, and she's currently in the process of developing her own line called Second Life. Last year, she released her “Just Vote” series of T-shirts, proving to be quite popular. Follow the boutique on Facebook and Instagram to experience all the "flo-ing flava."

The Lip Bar | Fed up with the toxic one-shade-fits-most beauty industry, the self-made CEO, Melissa Butler, turned her frustration into action—stepping off the lucrative-but-soulless corporate ladder and into her Brooklyn kitchen to whip up vibrant vegan lipstick. A rejection on Shark Tank only fueled Melissa’s tenacious spirit—motivating her to reclaim power over her own dream. She grew The Lip Bar beyond lipstick to TLB: award-winning maximum impact, minimal effort beauty must-haves for all. Follow TLB everywhere: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube.

RollerCade | Specializing in roller skates, skating lessons, parties, fundraisers, & other private events, RollerCade has kept the city of Detroit grooving for decades—being one of the oldest continually open, black-owned rinks in the country. Opening in January of 1955, in the midst of the Civil Rights era, this iconic roller rink has kept the lights on during the years of population loss and disinvestment in Detroit. The rink has been a popular destination for nearby residents and has fueled Detroit's vibrant skating culture, operating as much like a community center as a business. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for skating events and featured skaters.

Sacred Lounge | Built by women for women, the Sacred Lounge blends pure luxury with relaxation, offering sacred services that bring optimal release and rejuvenation—a.k.a. "Bare Self Care."? The inspiration for the spa came after co-owner Chelsea Walker's hospitalization, recalling “being so nervous because I didn’t see a lot of Black faces. The second I saw a Black nurse I felt more at peace. When you think about something like womb health, it’s important to see yourself represented. You get that sense of familial love [at the lounge] before you even enter the space.” Follow the Sacred Lounge on Instagram for femme wellness and empowerment.

Savvy Chic | Opened by Karen Brown in 2000 with an emphasis on antiques, this charming shop, nestled in the historic Eastern Market District, is a gold mine of French-sourced products, hard-to-find European designers, and fabulous locally-made items. Follow the best little Parisienne boutique in Détroit on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Source Booksellers | An independent bookstore in Detroit's Midtown district, Source Booksellers offers a unique niche of non-fiction books and unusual sideline items to enhance your life and lifestyle. First opened by Janet Webster Jones as part of the Spiral Collective: a shared space between three additional women-owned, African American businesses, the bookstore found a new home across the street—now located in the newly built Auburn Building on Cass Ave. Follow Source Booksellers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for upcoming author events and recommended reads.

Spectacles | "For those that like to stand out," this quaint urban boutique is for you. Known for highly anticipated new fashion lines in Detroit, Spectacles is always changing, yet always there. There's a story behind every last item on display—from clothing and accessories to music and literature. Not to mention, product knowledge is one of the key aspects that the shop employees pride themselves on. Perhaps it is the chronic freshness that keeps people coming back, or maybe it's the Detroit talent that Spectacles has sponsored and hosted, including Kid Rock, Dwele, Derrick May, and even visiting legends like Run DMC. Follow Spectacles on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for what’s next.

Studio Luxe | Look good, feel good, and let your inner you shine at Studio Luxe, a luxurious one on one spa experience. Specializing in intimate skincare, such as waxing, sugaring, and facials, their team is dedicated to making every experience relaxing and effective. Follow the spa on Facebook and Instagram for their latest skincare recommendations and services.

The Ten Nail Bar | Every nail manicured to perfection—that's The Ten Nail Bar's no. 1 rule and #Perfect10 Promise. Launched by two college roommates turned friends turned business owners, the pair saw to address an unmet need: a quality, modern nail bar that could also serve as a fun social space for Detroit’s residents and professionals. How could we not have a place in Downtown Detroit for manis, pedis, and champagne? Follow the Ten Nail Bar on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to remind yourself that you deserve a mani.

Three Thirteen | An original streetwear brand true to Detroit. What sets Three Thirteen apart is its humble roots, as owner and self-made business leader Clement "Fame" Brown Jr.'s story makes apparent. Producing the real Detroit uniform—an evolved version of the workwear this town is known for—Three Thirteen features premium denim, statement T-shirts, and custom shoes. Brown has also expanded on the brand’s lifestyle section by adding locally made and world-famous items, including elevated beard and body butters, candles, and even mouthwash. Like and follow Three Thirteen on Facebook and Instagram for fresh Detroit style.

We encourage you to take action in eliminating racism in your community by supporting these Community Spaces, Organizations, & Businesses and attending their respective events this weekend, this month, or any time of the year.

What other Community Spaces, Organizations, & Businesses belong on this list? Add your recommendations in the comments below!