Our shared heritage defines our daily lives, and intentional shopping starts when your spending choices support your neighbors. Make sure to show up for Black-owned businesses this month—and all year long!
Don't miss the Visit Prince William monthly blog post, which has an in-depth experience-oriented guide to exploring Black history in Prince William County.
Dine At A Black-Owned Restaurant
Blue Southern BBQ just opened a new location at Epiq Food Hall in Woodbridge and offers a catering company that proudly serves the Washington, D.C. metro area. Executive Chef “Big Dave” Galloway works to show customers that barbecue is more than just food; it’s a way to bring family and friends together. With a variety of smoked meats and sides, there’s something for everyone to try.
Kay’s Citrine Soul Food is a popular Dumfries food truck serving classic soul food dishes such as fried catfish, fried shrimp, and chicken wings. They have plenty of tasty sides and desserts to complete your meal including macaroni and cheese, candied yams, banana pudding, and a selection of individually packaged cakes.
West African food is finally at the center of a food boom, but Lapaz African Cuisine in Manassas has been in business since 2017, offering a variety of dishes curated by chef Auntie Diana. Get your fix of hausa koko and make sure to book for catering services at events large and small.
Escape the Ordinary with Black-Led Experiences
Niecia and AJ Bullock are the wife-husband team who lead Rooted Yoga, a vibrant yoga studio that celebrates diversity, community, and practical self-care. In addition to calling Belmont Bay's marina frontage home since 2020, Niecia has continued to grow a virtual community and has expanded to include an annual off-site retreat in October.
Black Will Travel is a woman-owned and Black-owned travel company that aims to create memorable experiences abroad by educating travelers about the contributions of people of color. By focusing on the legacy of African American culture and history, the company offers vacations in the United States as well as to international destinations.
Five14 is a premier event venue and art gallery in the Dumfries area that provides guests with a fun and safe space to relax and socialize. They host plenty of affordable events throughout the month including open mic nights, yoga, art shows, soap making, and more. Their most popular event is the 2.5-hour guided paint class accompanied by appetizers, desserts, snacks, and a drink selection.
Shop at a Black-Owned Small Business
A visit to Veterans Growing America in Stonebridge Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge quickly reveals a different kind of retail experience. The positive energy and the sense of camaraderie among the merchants is quickly apparent. Donnell Johns, Sr., owner and veteran, is the CEO of Veterans Growing America. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Command Sergeant Major in 2019 and opened his own business leadership consulting firm.
Delicate Creations is a custom cake business, and Debbie Church is a celebrity baker featured on Food Network’s Cake Wars. Church is able to cater to any type of themed party or event. She has an extensive gallery on her website with some of her extraordinary creations for inspiration. Her delectable cakes have become very popular, and the business has a pickup location in Woodbridge.
Walking into the Manassas Rumalutions is a treat in itself—the wonderful aroma wafting out from the kitchen is intoxicating. When owner Damean Adams steps out front to talk, his friendly greeting and enthusiasm for his business are contagious.
"Because of the experience of pure love that I had the first time I tried rum cakes, I knew I wanted to share that same love with the rest of the world," says Adams. "My sister shared a recipe for an original rum cake with me. It was good, but it needed an upgrade."
The company started as a mail-order cake business and then Adams started selling their treats at farmers markets in the area to get the word out. In April 2021, they opened Rumalutions first storefront next to the popular Eavesdrop Brewery in Yorkshire.
