The annual celebration also reminds consumers that supporting these businesses strengthens communities of color not only during the holiday but throughout the year.

“Every dollar spent at a Black-owned business circulates through our local economy, supports jobs, creates opportunities for families, and helps build generational wealth,” said Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce CEO Yolanda Pierson.

Pierson oversees the statewide organization that supports and promotes Minnesota’s fast-growing class of Black entrepreneurs. Chamber statistics note that Minnesota’s entrepreneurs of color now own some 58,000 businesses, almost double the number from a decade ago.

Long an informal holiday in Black communities across the nation, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Since Congress elevated the officially named “Juneteenth National Independence Day” to a federal holiday in 2021, June 19 has become a day that acknowledges freedoms initiated in the post-Civil War era.

“Highlighting these businesses during Juneteenth is about more than commerce. It’s about economic empowerment,” Pierson said. “Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, but it is also a reminder that economic freedom matters. When we support Black-owned businesses, we’re not just buying a product or service. We’re investing in dreams, jobs, families and the future of Minnesota.”

Pierson said Juneteenth provides an important opportunity to celebrate Black culture and support businesses facing challenges stemming from historic inequities and recent economic disruptions.

“It’s really important that we support these businesses at this critical time,” Pierson said. “Our retail and restaurant industries are still recovering from COVID and the impacts of 2020.”

Despite growth in entrepreneurship, Pierson said many Black business owners continue to face persistent obstacles related to funding, resources and opportunities for expansion.

“If you think about communities that have been underrepresented, underfunded and under-resourced over the years, those same challenges exist in entrepreneurship,” she said.

Pierson urges consumers to leverage their dollars by urging their friends and neighbors to patronize Black-owned businesses.

“Word-of-mouth is important. It’s great to support businesses during Juneteenth, and we really want that, but we want people to show up for them on a regular Tuesday night, too.”

Pierson highlighted several Black-owned Minnesota businesses in the hospitality sector that residents can support during Juneteenth and throughout the year.

Gabella’s Cookies

Founded by Omari Brits, Gabella’s Cookies operates from the food court at the Eagan Outlet Mall. What began as a father’s love for baking and creating memories with his children has grown into a thriving bakery

Cooks of Hope

Chef James Johnson combines Southern comfort food and hospitality through Cooks of Hope. The catering and personal chef business demonstrates how food can create connection, community and opportunity.

6ixMears

Owned by Wesley Spearman, 6ixMears is a bar and restaurant that redefines the Lowertown experience by creating a destination that combines culture, community and economic investment in downtown St. Paul.

Breakfast Bar of Minnesota

Founded by Michael Cole, Breakfast Bar of Minnesota has become a popular destination in downtown Minneapolis. The business represents entrepreneurship, innovation and the ability to scale a local business into a community destination.