Being thoughtful about where your money is being sent takes a little extra time, but can go a long way. When buying from Black-, Indigenous- and People Of Color-owned companies, you are addressing a reality and helping (even if it feels minute) to close the racial wealth gap, support local economies, and celebrate culture and community. It’s an act of optimism, enthusiasm and conviction—and determination to foster healthier, more vibrant communities both socially and economically. The gifts in this guide (from covetable home goods to apparel, skincare products and art) are from Black and Indigenous individuals and people of color—whether they are the company owners, the designers, artists or makers.
A 71-person group book celebrating Pomegranate Press—a Richmond, Virginia-based independent publishing house for contemporary photography, writing and more—Nothing Left but Healing features a plethora of different pieces across its 150 pages. Within the smyth-sewn book are alluring portraits, microphotography, landscapes and more enchanting works.
From artist and skateboarder Jeffrey Cheung—who runs There Skateboards, an offshoot of the SF-based collective Unity which represents and supports queer skaters—this “Colors” deck features his signature figurative art. Available in two sizes (8.25 or 8.5 inches), this skateboard has been made and designed with all types of skaters in mind.
Casa Verónica’s ceramic Ixtlali Candleholders pay tribute to the Mexican drip-glaze technique, where multicolored swatches of paint cascade downward. Handmade and two inches tall, each of these mesmerizing holders is one of a kind and and finished with an interior and exterior gloss.
Made in Los Angeles by EVERYBODY.WORLD and embroidered by Philadelphia-based studio moderndaydreams, this apron from YOWIE works equally well for long-suffering DJs as it does home cooks. Crafted from 100% cotton, it comes in one size, but its neck and waist straps are adjustable. The apron also features two front pockets, for utensils—or a flash drive.
Justin Gill, founder of Bachan, honed his family’s authentic sauce recipe in a way that honors the generations who made it before him. Their Japanese Barbecue sauce is a CH favorite and is also available gluten-free. It’s still packed with umami flavor from tamari soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and koji seed and is cold-filled to eliminate preservatives while maintaining longevity.
Sold in a set of four, these placemats—like all of Intiearth’s wares—champion Peru’s indigenous materials and techniques while caring for the planet. Crafted from vintage frazada textiles and 100% wool, each bold zero-waste mat features a unique, lively pattern.
With 50 to 70 hours of burn time, the INCEPTION candle from Brooklyn-based candle brand yasaf, lit provides plenty of tranquil vibes. Made with palo santo and sage, the candle boasts calming and restorative attributes and is finished with notes of cypress. Featuring an eco-friendly wooden wick, this candle is vegan and cruelty-free.
These lovely playing cards feature elements of Kehinde Wiley’s 2012 piece “Dacia Carter II” (from his An Economy of Grace show that comprised portraits of women) on both sides. On the back, the beautifully lit portrait; on the face, the suits feature the glorious green and pink floral pattern from the painting’s backdrop. Net proceeds from sales of the cards will be donated to Black …
Spirited in design and ethos, Roopa Pemmaraju is a sustainable, artisan-made lifestyle brand that upholds traditional techniques while taking cues from their roots in Australia, India and the US. They recently debuted their first-ever home collection which includes this vibrant throw pillow cover. Designed in Brooklyn and made in Bengaluru, this piece allures with naturally dyed hues of red and pink, a luscious fruity motif …
Greenpoint, Brooklyn-based Brother Vellies—founded by Aurora James—champions traditional African design practices while sustaining artisanal practices and offering luxury accessories. Their cotton mid-calf Cloud Socks are chunky and cozy. While the one-size-fits-all socks comes in a range of colors, our pick is the lavender, as proceeds from this hue go to the brand’s mask-making and food-distribution initiatives in Kenya.
Taiwanese American writer Elaine Hsieh Chou’s debut novel, Disorientation, is a sharp, nuanced portrait of navigating relationships and institutions as an Asian American woman. Told through a quick-witted, satirical whodunnit, the novel follows the journey of PhD student Ingrid Yang when she uncovers a secret related to her thesis that quickly unravels her life. With gripping surrealism and pertinent characterizations, Chou captures the specific experiences plaguing …
Another limited edition print from Oakland-based painter, musician, founder of queer skateboarding collective Unity and CH favorite, Jeffrey Cheung, this piece depicts five people, tangled together in the artist’s familiar style. Their off-kilter proportions and smiling faces provide each individual with even more character, and their intertwining limbs create a combined sense of tenderness and playfulness. This print measures 11 by 17 inches.
