This Black History Month and all year long, support the local Black community by checking out Black-owned businesses and creative voices shaping culture across Tampa Bay. These are some highlights of great artists, organizations, restaurants and more that are being led by Black voices in St. Pete.

Food & Drink – Black-Owned Flavors

pink building with "Gabby Bakes" hand painted over the front doorpink building with "Gabby Bakes" hand painted over the front doorOutside Gabby Bakes new Seminole Heights bakery | Photo and lettering by Sun Signs

Cultural & Wellness

Black English bookstore– Woman & black-owned bookstore that celebrates community space and black literature

Tampa Black History Museum – Learn about the stories that shaped Tampa’s Black community.

The Smudged life – Holistic health and Integrative natural health care with fun events such as ‘trap yoga’.

La Unión Martí-Maceo (Historic Site) – Part of Tampa’s Afro-Cuban cultural legacy and the Florida Black Heritage Trail.

Jackson Rooming House (Historic Landmark) – Once hosted iconic Black artists and provided safe lodging during segregation.

Photo of Gwendolyn Henderson, owner of Black English Bookstore. She's wearing a light red hat, and large black frame glasses and a denim jacket. She's smiling while posing inside an intimate bookstore.Photo of Gwendolyn Henderson, owner of Black English Bookstore. She's wearing a light red hat, and large black frame glasses and a denim jacket. She's smiling while posing inside an intimate bookstore.Gwendolyn Henderson poses inside Black English Bookstore, a lovingly curated bookstore located at 401 E Oak Avenue

Creative spaces and musicians

Tampa•ish – Community lead events & a great way to meet new local creatives in Tampa

For The Girls Tampa – Curated partying in a safe space for women

DJ Emmpowerr– Known for her free S.P.I.N. classes, Emmpowerr is a well-known DJ in the area and is open for bookings for events (More on their story here: https://ilovetheburg.com/dj-emmpowerr-st-pete/)

Barely Legal– This rap/hip-hop boyband is Tampa local heartthrobs; Stream their music here

Aja Iman– R&B singer based in Tampa, also leading and organizing plenty of community events in the area; Stream her music here

Pilot Jonezz is a punk rock band from the Tampa Bay area that’s been turning heads with its energetic live shows and alternative edge.

Sector.FM is an independent radio station and community music hub founded by Vonne Parks and Andre “Dre” Gainey of They Hate Change. Sector.FM supports artists from many diasporas, including Black creatives like Deja Denice, Johnny Champagne, and Raheem Fitzgerald, while broadcasting diverse sounds and local talent.

The new home of Tampa's Black History MuseumThe new home of Tampa's Black History Museum

For more across the bridge, check out black-owned businesses you can support over in St. Pete!