The Battle Creek Black, Red and Green Pages makes it easier to support Black-owned businesses.
It’s a digital directory compiled by a group of women who belong to the Battle Creek Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. They’re an activist group, and one of their points of focus is economic development.
Help them support Black business and look to these Battle Creek entrepreneurs for good food, music or a venue for your special event.
Here’s a few highlights:
BlvckSheep – founder James McGee
BlvckSheep is a record label: a collective of musicians working together to make music in Battle Creek.
They host a series of concerts in the Rehearsal Room, a professional performance space at First Congregational Church. The concerts are available on YouTube, but watch their Facebook page so you can get tickets for the recording – there's no replacing a live event.
Island Style BBQ – owners Juliano and Daleth Jean-Jules
Leave the cooking to someone else. Two recommended restaurants are Island Style BBQ and South Side Grubz.
Island Style combines American barbecue with Caribbean flavors. Chef Juliano Jean-Jules is from Haiti and he knows these recipes so well that he could cook them with his eyes closed. Don’t miss out on the homemade jerk sauce.
South Side Grubz – owners Damarcus and Angela Jones
The menu specials at South Side Grubz might change, but you can always order a Soul Platter. Smoked pork butt, brisket, deep-fried pork chops and catfish come with three sides. Choose from: collard greens, mac & cheese, cowboy baked beans, dressing (the Southern word for stuffing), sweet potatoes and deep fried okra.
Jaylei Art – owner Jamari Taylor
Know a kid who loves art? Jamari Taylor, whose murals grace the walls of Battle Creek, offers art classes. Classes include: Intro Art, Advance Drawing I, Advance Drawing II and Studio Time. Each class is for 10 weeks, and for Studio Time the young artist can use the studio during available times. Or buy one tutoring session.
Jaylei prints also make great gifts. You can buy directly from Jaylei Art here. Local muralist Jaziel Pugh also sells original paintings through his website here.
JJ’s Bakery – owner Jordan Edwards
JJ’s has been a familiar source of baked goods, starting with pop-up shops around town. Now you can get your cupcakes and macarons at 12 W. Michigan Ave. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.
The unusual things about JJ’s? The owner and baker is still a teenager. Jordon Edwards has been in love with baking since he was 7 years old and started his own business at the age of 15. His baking is fun and colorful, especially the macarons, which are hard to find anywhere else in the area.
Mela’s Peaceful Raine Wellness – owner Jamila Mullen
Jamila is a licensed massage therapist who can help you relax. There is the familiar Swedish massage and deep tissue therapy. But she also offers cupping, synergy wave hot stones and body wraps. One add-on is a mix of honey and oil that improves skin.
If you aren’t sure massage is right for you, there is also a chair massage option, which is fully clothed and only 20 minutes.
Go here to see the options and buy gift cards.
Perfect Day Party and Event Venue – owners Nita and Lorenzo
The building for Perfect Day was once a church, and the architechture is unique. It’s sure to add interest to your event, both inside and out.
The venue has 11,000 square feet, including an auditorium, full-service kitchen, beauty studio, ballroom, dressing rooms with complimentary beverages & snacks and ample parking.
Simply Sensational Berries – owner Markeeta Haddley
Simply Sensational Berries will delight anyone with a sweet tooth. The fridge is stocked daily with all kinds of treats, from chocolate-covered strawberries to decadent banana pudding. Order a handmade lemonade in summer or a gourmet hot chocolate in winter.
Grab lunch while you’re there. People rave about the salads, which are packed with toppings. SSB had also added soup and grilled sandwiches to the menu.
Art and Culture Collective of Battle Creek – director V. Word
If you’re looking for a creative person to help out with professional artistry -- like photos, video or graphic design – then ask the ACCBC.
This collective helps artists not only develop their work, but find ways to connect with businesses that want to stand out with unique, vibrant images and sounds.
