In 1916, fifty years after the abolition of slavery in the United States, American historian and author Carter G. Woodson published a journal commemorating the long-overlooked achievements of Black Americans.
Ten years later, Woodson established the week of February 7 as Negro History Week. In 1976, Texas A&M University Afro-American History professor Albery Broussard expanded that week to include all of February and gave Black History Month the name we know today.
Black History Month is a celebration of Black voices, heritage, and creativity that have risen above systems of racism and oppression to benefit all of society. It’s also a reminder that those systems persist but must be dismantled so we can leave our children and grandchildren a more just world than the one we inherited.
For New Seasons Market, that means striving to become better neighborhood allies and stewards—by listening to Black and BIPOC voices, partnering with nonprofits and Black-owned businesses, and educating our staff.
If you’d like to contribute more directly, please check out our local community partners like the Black Food Sovereignty Coalition and the Feed’em Freedom Foundation (FFF). These organizations do incredible work empowering a new generation of Black agriculturalists to fight food insecurity throughout the Pacific Northwest.
We’re proud to partner with Black producers and to highlight their products in our stores—from beauty brands to micro-wineries and African chef de cuisines. Here are a few Black-owned brands you can support by purchasing their products:
Flourish Spices & African Foods
With the belief that food brings families and cultures together, Salem-based entrepreneur Olajumoke Elkanah (Ola) started Flourish Spices & African Foods to create and share the African cuisines she enjoyed growing up with her local community and beyond. Ola's Jollof Rice Mix brings the authentic flavors of Africa to the table in minutes with just a few ingredients.
Mason Noir Wines
McMinnville-based and award-winning sommelier André Hueston Mack crafts distinctive, approachable garage wines (micro-négociant) using the best grapes possible from the Willamette Valley—all with the mission of showcasing the delicious bounty of Oregon and welcoming new wine lovers into the fold.
Plant Bomb
Chef and health and wellness coach Rajiv Harry, owner of Plant Bomb in Portland, OR, makes sauces like none other, using nutritious, plant-based ingredients with no added sugar or oils. Customers love them for their versatility and ability to add big flavor to everything from rice bowls and salads to kabobs and pizza.
Alaffia
Founded in 2003 by entrepreneur Olowo-n’djo Tchala, this beloved Olympia-based beauty brand makes natural balms, butters, washes, and more for all skin and hair types. Most of Alaffia’s products utilize Fair Trade, unrefined shea butter and West African Orangutan-safe palm oil grown on small, sustainable, multi-cropped farms.
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