Black-owned businesses play a key role in our community, enriching Greater Boston both culturally and financially through their diverse products and services offerings. This Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on six exceptional Black-owned businesses and highlighting tangible ways to offer your support this February and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking mental health support, event planning expertise, or opportunities to engage in community development, we’ve got you covered. The businesses listed below embody the resilience, creativity, and dedication that power Greater Boston’s business community. Explore these local businesses that are making an impact in our region.
Renewed Mindset’s mission is to assist organizations in achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), team and organizational goals through consultation, analysis, training, and collaboration. Their goal is to help organizations achieve success by helping to transform their business mindsets and challenging them to think differently about business issues and solutions.
They offer a variety of specialized services, including DEIB solutions, training, meeting facilitation, team building/development and organization effectiveness.
The Social Butterflies Events is a Black-owned, women-led event planning company based in the heart of Boston, MA, founded by Paige Pasley and Valerie Francois. With over eight years of experience and a portfolio of hundreds of successful events, TSB Events specializes in planning, coordination, and design for weddings, corporate celebrations, and other milestone occasions.
The team takes pride in delivering seamless event experiences, from concept to execution, ensuring every detail is handled with precision, creativity, and care. TSB Events is committed to transparency, building strong relationships with both clients and vendors, making each celebration a unique and unforgettable experience.
The OnyxGroup Development LLC, co-founded by Chanda Smart and Shabnam Mashmasarmi, is a Black woman-owned and operated development firm based in Boston, MA. Established in 2021, the company focuses on providing high-quality, programmatic workforce housing through strategic public and private partnerships.
Their mission is clear: affordable housing should not be synonymous with poverty. Current projects include a 200-unit senior affordable housing development in Foxboro, MA, a mixed-use residential project in Brockton, MA, and a 41,000 sq. ft. commercial space in Roxbury, MA. The OnyxGroup is also expanding its portfolio with a new property management division, collaborating with Concord Square Development & Planning.
The BASE is a Boston-based organization dedicated to creating new pathways to success for urban youth by leveraging the power of sports and education. Their mission is to empower young people to thrive in the American economy by fostering talent, hope, and belief. The BASE offers a variety of programs designed to develop both the athletic and academic potential of student-athletes. Through initiatives like the College Access Program, they provide personalized college application support, campus tours, and scholarship guidance, ensuring their youth have the resources to succeed academically.
Beyond sports, The BASE connects student-athletes with career opportunities through internships, workshops, and partnerships with local businesses, giving them real-world exposure to different industries and professions. By focusing on the physical, mental, and social well-being of their youth, The BASE ensures that each participant not only excels in athletics but also develops the skills and confidence needed to lead and succeed in life.
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) is dedicated to serving as a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss. Founded in 1994 by Clementina Chéry, the Institute honors the legacy of her son, Louis D. Brown, and continues the work he began in promoting peace and healing. LDBPI’s mission is to create and sustain an environment where all families can live in peace and all people are valued.
Through programs like the Peace Curriculum, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for its contribution to reducing juvenile crime, the Institute works to educate and support individuals in navigating the complexities of grief, trauma, and loss. Over the years, LDBPI has become a crucial resource for survivors of homicide victims, ensuring they receive the dignity and compassion they deserve, regardless of their loved one’s background. Through the Survivors Outreach Services program and other initiatives, the Institute has transformed how society responds to homicide, providing a model for other cities and communities to follow.
Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies offers a delightful twist on dessert, serving up 100% vegan treats that never sacrifice taste or texture. Each bite is crafted with compassion and culinary artistry, ensuring a sweet experience that’s both indulgent and ethical. Join the sweet revolution and enjoy flavorful, guilt-free indulgence from a Black-owned business making waves in the dessert world. Featured by top media outlets like Martha Stewart, Boston.com, and The Boston Globe, Clarke’s is your go-to for delectable vegan desserts.
Learn MoreThere are numerous ways to support local businesses worth exploring. Big or small, each action counts in contributing to their success:
By uplifting these businesses and many others like them at the heart of Boston, we are investing in the future of our community, ensuring it remains dynamic, inclusive, and economically strong. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” The vitality of our community depends on our collective support and effort to empower businesses and individuals from all backgrounds. Let’s continue to work together, support the Black-owned businesses of our community, and create a future where all businesses and all people can thrive.
