TOLEDO, Ohio — Videos and images spreading across the country over the past week have been heavy. Many are calling for advocacy and support for the black community.
Peacefully walking with protesters or supporting them on social media is great. But where you spend your money can also make a difference in how you support the black community.
Northwest Ohio is filled with businesses owned by black people. Take Hot Box Bistro, right in the heart of downtown Toledo.
"We're kind of known for our gumbo, we sell chicken gumbo and seafood gumbo. We have wings our pineapple bowls are pretty popular," Hot Box Bistro owner Keitha Sheares said.
You can also check out Jera's Heavenly Sweets inside One Seagate, or Vegan Taste, which has its goodies in coffee shops and stores all over the Toledo area.
"Me and my wife switched to being plant-based, so we decided to start making some of our own and start making some in Toledo so we didn't have to travel as far," owner of Vegan Taste Kyronne Jackson said.
Whether new or old, each business has its own specialty and makes our community more diverse.
Business owners said any support is recognized and appreciated.
"Especially with all the new news going on, it would be great to see more faces down here to show that we are still all in this together," Sheares said.
"We appreciate any of the help that's coming in. There are some major things going on and some hearts are being changed. And I look forward to those changes," Jera's Heavenly Sweets owner Jera Stewart said.
"It's always good to get new customers, I think we need more black-owned businesses! It's good for the community and our kids can see that," Jackson said.
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