Can’t take a trip anytime soon but you can visit Richmond, VA virtually and do that by supporting black-owned businesses with the BLK RVA, Richmond, Virginia’s tourism campaign that highlights and celebrates the Black cultural experience in the Richmond region. Check out this list of black owned businesses providing virtual food and hospitality experiences.
Afrikana Independent Film Festival – Richmond, VA
The Afrikana Independent Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the cinematic works of people of color from around the world. It takes place every September in Richmond, VA. The team places a special focus on the global Black narrative with a mission to present high-quality, well-crafted stories that celebrate the diaspora and encourage people. The AIFF has curated a select list of underrated black classic films and the well-read ‘Black Girl’s List of Essential Readings’ that are perfect to enjoy during time spent home. They have also created the Afrikana’s “Rona Free” Audio playlist crafted by sonic curator Mike Kemetic. Click here to view suggestions.
Soul Taco – Richmond, VA
Soul Taco is a popular African American-owned restaurant in Richmond that blends traditional Latin American flavors with southern cuisine. The restaurant is currently adapting to the changing times and has come up with a few creative ways to help their community and service workers survive this pandemic, including transforming their dining room into a pop-up shop with fresh produce and other essentials available to the local community at reasonable prices. They are also offering family meals and taco meal kits for to-go purchase. For their staff who they have unfortunately had to layoff, Soul Taco is offering free meals and product, as well as 50% of all pooled tips.
Angelic’s Kitchen – Charlottesville, VA
Angelic’s Kitchen is a premier soul food truck serving up signature specialties such as fried fish dipped in the owner Angelic’s exclusive Southern style breading. Angelic got her start in the food industry when her husband told her to find a hobby to replace shopping. Angelic always enjoyed eating fried fish attending festivals as a child and wanted to turn this into a profit, so she decided to invest in her own equipment and dry storage trailer for working festivals and setting up a catering and food truck business. After years of operating out of a truck, she was the first entrepreneur to sign a lease for the initial phase of the Dairy Market project, a public space that upon completion, will offer food from 18 vendors, meetings and event space, and live entertainment. As an African-American business owner, Angelic’s involvement in the Dairy Market is important. Dairy Market is located adjacent to the predominantly African-American neighborhood of 10th and Page, and having Angelic’s support as a bridge between the community and Dairy Market is crucial. To help her business stay afloat and continue to serve her community during this time, Angelic will be serving customers in her food truck for takeaway service or delivery from GrubHub and Uber eats.
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