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serving Nashville’s iconic food, a unique deep fried chicken spiced from no heat to ultra hot. ABOUT "We served our first meal out of a food trailer in June 2019. The city of Houston responded really well to our food and very soon people were lining up to get their hands on our Hot Chicken. Our small white trailer became so popular, so quickly, that we signed a lease on a brick and mortar just six months after we first opened our window to the public. The rest is history." - Mico's Hot Chicken Details Location : 1603 North Durham Drive, Houston, TX 77008. Phone : 713-689-4600 Email : hello@micoshotchicken.com Website: https://www.micoshotchicken.com/ Socials : https://www.instagram.com/micoshotchicken/

Hey, we're back again with a list of events that are going on in the city of Houston for the month of September! *Please note that this list is a combination of events hosted by black businesses and general events in the community. September 3, 2023 First Sunday Gospel & Jazz Brunch September 3, 2023 Neo Soul Sunday Funday | Live Band September 8, 2023 BLK Directory: Social Mixer September 9, 2023 Market Square Park: Farmers Market September 9, 2023 BLCK Market 126 (Pop Up Shop) September 9, 2023 Lovers & Friends: 2000s Themed Game Night September 10, 2023 Diaspora Food Festival September 15, 2023 AfroSocaLove: Houston Music Show September 16, 2023 Houston Mixed Media Festival September 16, 2023 ​Houston Creole Festival September 22, 2023 ​Beyoncé Night On The Roof September 27, 2023 Five Central: Live Open Mic Showcase September 30, 2023 ​Houston TX Pop Up Festival Join us for the BLK Directory: Networking Mixer, a monthly happy hour event to cultivate community and foster new connections in Houston. The mixer is on Friday, Sep 8th from 6-8pm! RSVP HERE 💚 Don't wait until the event to connect with others. Join our Discord Community - The BLK Collective - to start meeting people right now! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us online for more updates.

WORLD FAMOUS STUFFED TURKEY LEGS ABOUT In 2016 Turkey Leg Hut owners, Lynn and Nakia Price, first introduced Texans to their mouthwatering turkey legs in a parking lot at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show. In three quick years this power couple has turned their love for cooking into one of the most sought-after restaurants in Houston making headlines across the country. Lynn and Nakia are passionate about giving back to their community through raising funds for local charities, families and local schools in need while providing food to multiple organizations across Harris County. Details Location : 4830 Almeda Rd., Houston, TX, United States, 77004 Phone : (346) 319-4781 Email : info@theturkeyleghut.com Website : https://www.theturkeyleghut.com/ Socials : https://www.instagram.com/turkeyleghut/

As the year unfolds, so do the opportunities to celebrate and honor the rich culture and heritage of the Black community. From vibrant music and dance performances to delicious culinary experiences and thought-provoking discussions, the rest of 2023 is packed with exciting black festivals that you won't want to miss. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in art, music, history, or simply connect with others, these festivals offer something for everyone. Here are some upcoming Black festivals to mark on your calendar: 1. AfroPunk Brooklyn circus of soul Date: October 14-15, 2023 Location: Brooklyn, NY Website : https://afropunk.com/festival/brooklyn/ ABOUT : The AfroPunk Festival is a two-day celebration of music, art, and culture that embraces diversity and creativity. It features an impressive lineup of musicians, including artists from various genres such as R&B, hip-hop, rock, and electronic music. Beyond the music, AfroPunk also showcases local artists, fashion designers, and thought-provoking panel discussions on topics ranging from social justice to self-expression. 2. One music fest Date: October 28-29, 2023 Location: Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA Website : ONEMUSICFEST.COM ABOUT : OMF has become a destination festival attracting over 50,000+ diverse music lovers from all over the nation. For 13 years ONE Musicfest has become known for its eclectic mashup of urban artists that have included Pharrell, 2 Chainz, Miguel, Outkast, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar, Usher, Gary Clark Jr, Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, SZA, Nas, Kelis, Summer Walker, Anderson Paak, Erykah Badu, DVSN, Damian Marley, Ari Lennox, A$AP Rocky, T.I, Santigold, Jill Scott, Teedra Moses, The Roots, 8 Ball & MJG, Jhene Aiko, BJ the Chicago Kid, Janelle Monae, and many more! 3. african festival of the arts chicago 2023 (34th annual) Date: September 1-4, 2023 Location: Chicago, Illinois Website : https://www.choosechicago.com/event/34th-annual-african-festival-of-the-arts/2023-09-01/ ABOUT : Africa International House USA, Inc, named one of Chicago’s cultural treasures, presents the 34th ANNUAL AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 1-4) in Washington Park! This traditional end-of-summer culturally immersive and interactive event brings the art, sights, tastes, sounds, and spirituality of African Diaspora cultures to Chicago – in a replicated African village! Non-stop entertainment representing the full arc of global Black music expression is featured on two stages providing the entire family with an abundance of fun activities and memories at an affordable cost! 4. black owned wine & spirits Festival 2023 Date: September 30, 2023 Location: Washington, DC Website : https://bowsfest.com/ THE SOUL OF BOWS! The vision was to increase visibility and awareness of Black Owned Spirit, Wine and Beer companies, here we are today celebrating the 7th Year! ABOUT : Held in our nation’s capital, BOWSFest has grown in vendor and attendee numbers each year. To date, BOWSFest has hosted 50+ vendors and sold 6500 bottles of Black Owned Wine, Spirit and Beers direct to consumers. While we are proud of the evolution behind BOWSFest, what’s most important is the spirit of the movement. Celebrating Black Owned Wine and Spirit brands extend beyond the purchase of a bottle. It is a celebration of community, cohesion, and creativity…and at its core, a celebration of Black Excellence. 5. 14th annual african american cultural festival Date: September 2-3, 2023 Location: Downtown Raleigh, NC Website : http://www.aacfestival.org/ ABOUT : The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County (AACF) is back for its 14th edition! Join us on Labor Day weekend, September 2-3, 2023 for a unique celebration of African American culture as expressed through art, music, food & community. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, welcoming all to explore the creative offerings of some of North Carolina's most talented African American artists. 6. honeyland festival Date: November 11-1 2, 2023 Location: Sugar Land, TX Website : https://www.honeylandfestival.com/ ABOUT : Honeyland is a festival celebrating the best of Black expression — where the top restaurateurs, beverage makers, and artists get together to remix, refresh, and create more of what flavors the world. These upcoming Black festivals offer a chance to celebrate, learn, and connect with a diverse range of experiences. Whether you're interested in music, art, theater, film, or history, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to mark your calendar and join in the festivities as we honor and appreciate the rich contributions of the Black community. Video : https://www.tiktok.com/@blkdirectory/video/7267751078823808299?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7256453630272767531

Hey, we're back again with a list of events that are going on in the city of Houston for the month of August! *Please note that this list is a combination of events hosted by black businesses and general events in the community. August 3, 2023 Zumba at POST August 4, 2023 BLCK Market Pop Up August 5, 2023 Annual HBCU Family Fest August 5, 2023 Houston Pizza Festival August 5, 2023 White Linen Night August 11, 2023 BLK Directory: TikTok Mixer (Networking) August 12, 2023 Houston Reggae Fest August 12, 2023 Houston Gospel Fest August 12, 2023 HTOWN Market August 17, 2023 Blanket Bingo August 20, 2023 Sip & Candle Making With La Bougie Wick August 25, 2023 Movies Under the Stars August 25, 2023 Summer Night Market at Montrose August 27, 2023 The Diaspora Food Festival Join us for the BLK Directory: Networking Mixer, a monthly happy hour event to cultivate community and foster new connections in Houston. The mixer is on Friday, Aug 11th from 6-8pm! RSVP HERE 💚 Don't wait until the event to connect with others. Join our Discord Community - The BLK Collective - to start meeting people right now! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us online for more updates.

Houston, TX – BLK Directory Inc. is excited to announce its five-city Melanated Yoga Pop-Up Tour, which aims to promote health and wellness in the black community. The tour will provide a safe space for networking, building community, and releasing stress, tension, and anxiety through yoga practice. The tour will kick off in Raleigh, NC on March 11, and continue to Austin, TX on April 8, Houston, TX on June 10, Atlanta on July 29, Dallas on August 26 and Houston, TX on September 30. Each stop on the tour will feature a one-of-a-kind experience that includes yoga sessions led by black yoga instructors, meditation, and wellness workshops. The tour will culminate in a grand finale event in Houston on September 30th. BLK Directory Inc. recognizes that health and wellness are critical components of the black community's well-being. The Melanated Yoga Pop-Up Tour provides an opportunity for participants to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical health while also fostering a sense of community. "We're thrilled to bring the Melanated Yoga Pop-Up Tour to five cities across the country," said Diamond Young, Founder of BLK Directory Inc. "Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where the black community can come together, unwind, and prioritize their health and wellness. We hope this tour will inspire people to incorporate yoga and mindfulness practices into their daily lives." Tickets for the Melanated Yoga Pop-Up Tour are available for purchase on BLK Directory Inc.'s website. Participants are encouraged to bring their yoga mats, comfortable clothing, and an open mind. For more information on the Melanated Yoga Pop-Up Tour and to purchase tickets, visit www.blkdirectory.com About BLK Directory Inc. BLK Directory is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide development opportunities for underrepresented communities by providing an ecosystem that encourages small black businesses to succeed and to build our community and culture through shared experiences. Contact : Mya Pierson BLK Directory Inc. mya@blkdirectory.com

Black entrepreneur’s playbook to bringing investors and sponsors For so many years, the lack of diversity and equal inclusion of black/African Americans in entrepreneurship was visible. Now, we are at a period in history when black people are taking up positions of strength and power more than ever. We are seeing black people thrive in business, tech, commerce, and every aspect of the food chain. Only a few years ago, we had our first black president. There's so much more glass ceiling that we have shattered over the years but the truth remains that we need more black entrepreneurs. In 2017, American Express released a study that showed that the number of female black entrepreneurs in the united state has risen tremendously over the years (from 1997 to 2017, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 58 percent and the number of businesses owned by black women increased tremendously by a remarkable 164 percent in that time ) and that's an impressive record that we should evenly spread across the industry. Obviously, the struggles of the black entrepreneurs over the years which includes lack of capital, competition from other white businesses, and most especially customer discrimination, are breaking no news. We know how much we have had to struggle to get to where we are. We know it’s been a journey of blood and sweat. This is why we cannot relent. Despite all the strides we have made, unemployment rates in blacks are still perpetually greater than the unemployment rate of the white folk. And the solution is pretty simple. Entrepreneurship has been a major game-changer for the black community and now, we need even more people to get involved. This way, we are creating more jobs, opportunities and improving our community as a whole. There was something about the character Ghost from the hit show Power - striding in his elegant suit with a head full of strategy - that you had to admire. He was the ultimate entrepreneur. And if there’s one thing every black entrepreneur must learn from the life of Ghost, it was his ability to expand the scope of his business through investors and sponsors. Ghost knew so well, from the beginning, how important it was to leverage people with greater resources to help build a large network for his business. The thing about entrepreneurship is that it has to be prepared. There's really nothing more important than having a defined work strategy/plan that contains everything you need to do to improve your business. It's like a template, you see. A master plan of your entire business. Something that (and we cannot stress this enough) will always work for you in your business. So just like Ghost, every black entrepreneur must have a plan to bring in investors and sponsors to help grow their network. Below, we will be looking at some of the strategies that should help you get sponsors to lead your business. 1. Identify Investors in Businesses similar to yours: This is probably the first step every black entrepreneur should take when trying to find sponsors for their company. The best way to do this is to locate your niche. So if you are into tech or commerce, for example, check out other companies in this niche and draw out a list of the sponsors in their companies. You can also use this information to get the names of people who you feel can be potential investors through their previous activities. To further streamline your scope, even, you can focus on sponsors that are largely interested in promoting black businesses. Attend fundraisers and watch out for venture capitalists who are ready to spend the check on a business like yours. It is important to note, however, that not all investors who appear legit on the surface are actually coming to you with good intentions, it is your job then to cross-check their background, engage in conversations, ask about their funds, etc, so that you do not get roped into something that will be detrimental to your business in the future. 2. Improve your business: It is not merely just looking for investors. If you do not have anything to offer, you are wasting your time. It’s quid pro quo, you see - they help you and you help them. VC's are looking at the strength of your company now and the potential it has to become a huge profit machine for them in the future. Nobody wants to ever put their money into something that they are unsure about. Literally nobody and most certainly not investors. So before you start actively seeking investors, you should probably take a critical look at your company and evaluate if it’s ready for the massive change you want it to go through. You have to evaluate, also, if you are ready. Because everything stems from there 3. Use social media: Probably already cliché to talk about the power of social media in 2020 but it definitely has to be said. Through the strategic use of social media, you can get the attention of potential sponsors with your activities. You can even deliberately source them out by engaging and flirting with their social media profiles. One thing investors love is a good name. If they believe an association or partnership with you will be great for their own name, then you have a great shot. Black entrepreneurs should also blog more. Write more. Put out content more. When you attend events or fundraisers, put up clear pictures with expressive captions to show that you understand your community. Improve your visibility some more. It is not always about finding investors, through your own activities, sometimes they can find you. Investors and sponsors are a great way black entrepreneurs can get more financial and capital leverage to take their business to the next level and the above are just some of the ways to do it right. It’s a template that works and you should include it in your business playbook today.

Investing in Black startups can bring both financial benefits and contribute to breaking down barriers that have historically limited opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Here are some reasons why more investors should consider investing in Black startups: Diverse perspectives: Black founders often bring a unique perspective and experience to their businesses, which can lead to innovative solutions and new markets. Investing in Black startups can provide access to a more diverse set of ideas and increase the likelihood of finding untapped opportunities. Large untapped market: The Black community is a significant consumer group that has been traditionally underserved and underrepresented in the market. Investing in Black startups can help to address this gap and unlock the potential of this untapped market. Positive social impact: Supporting Black entrepreneurs can help to reduce the racial wealth gap and increase economic opportunities in underinvested communities. By investing in Black startups, investors can play a role in creating positive social change and contributing to a more equitable society. Strong returns: Research has shown that diverse teams and businesses tend to outperform their less diverse counterparts. By investing in Black startups, investors can potentially generate strong financial returns while also supporting diversity and inclusion. Addressing systemic racism: Investing in Black startups can help to address the systemic racism and biases that have historically limited opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. By investing in and supporting Black founders, investors can contribute to breaking down these barriers and creating a more equitable and just society. In summary, investing in Black startups can bring both financial benefits and contribute to breaking down barriers that have historically limited opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. By supporting diversity and inclusion, investors can potentially generate strong returns while also creating positive social change.

Juneteenth is around the corner, and while it signifies the end of a dark period for many black people, it is also a day for celebrating their freedom. This year, 2022, Juneteenth would be different because President Biden declared it a federal holiday two days before Juneteenth, 2021. Whether you have heard about it or not; do you know why it is celebrated? Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States, and this historical event dates back to the mid-17th century. It was a period when enslaved African Americans gained their freedom. Today, after the proclamation on January 1, 1863, 45 states abolished slavery in their states. The middle of Juneteenth is a celebration of culture, resilience, the black contribution to the economy of the US, and more. For black people and African Americans in the USA, Juneteenth is our independence day, but how do we celebrate it and support black brands and businesses? Understand the meaning of Juneteenth June 19, 1865, maybe just another date, but in history, it is commensurate with the end of slavery, so it is paramount that we understand what the holiday means. Today, many families have become too modern and want to sweep the essence of the holiday under the carpet. There are resources, books, and museums that showcase the story of Juneteenth. This year, take your children to learn about their past and why it is celebrated. Paint the town red Now you might be wondering what this means. We will explain. Red is the color associated with the Juneteenth holiday, and it symbolizes the sacrifice and transition into freedom. Since it is a time to celebrate, foods, meats, cakes, beverages, and southern delicacies are cooked and shared with friends, family, and strangers. However, there is no way to celebrate, but sharing with other people is the essence of this holiday, so please share. Spread the news of Juneteenth Many African Americans celebrate Juneteenth because it is a holiday, but there is more. Even with slavery abolished, racism and harassment of black people still rage on in the US. Juneteenth should be a way to educate society on the importance of freedom regardless of race, color, or origin. Additionally, Juneteenth is a day to support our own. Black people support black businesses, brands, and enterprises. Visit and donate to black organizations Support is how black organizations grow and establish their footing in their communities. Juneteenth is a time to donate to establishments that support black causes or to a cause you are passionate about. You can visit your local center to find out about organizations that need help, even schools, NGOs, and black community centers that need your help. Support Black Businesses Black businesses get the least support on all fronts, and believe us, many black brands and personalities are pushing the standard and doing well, but they need our help. While your support for Juneteenth is awesome, it must go beyond a one-day holiday. You must continue to show your support by advertising for them, dropping good reviews, and celebrating black entrepreneurs across all social channels. Organize fun activities for families and friends There are loads of ways everyone can partake in the Juneteenth celebration. For instance, Organize a fitness walk around the neighborhood with branded t-shirts that would end with a sport like fun football or basketball. Organize a community clean-up task where both the old and young participate in cleaning their surroundings and disposing of trash properly. Organize a fund account to help rebuild or repair a local school or provide basic amenities for the kids in attendance. Host a talent show like a fashion show where participants wear clothes from the 17th century to honor memories past. Organize a Juneteenth movie night, lecture, or history night where invited guests learn about the holiday and how it began. Organize a cook-off competition to showcase the foods they ate back in the day. This is a fun way to teach people about the resilience and sacrifice made by heroic men and women of yesterday. The day can end with a Juneteenth trivial and a reward for the winner. Juneteenth is a significant day in history and in the lives of African Americans. Freedom is the ultimate sacrifice, and we are grateful to the men and women who gave it all for us to have it all.

If you haven’t taken a weekend getaway trip (or three) in this past month, you’re missing out! It’s just 48 hours, how much of a difference can it make? Darlin’, more than you could ever imagine. You’ve probably used most of your vacation days or your next family vacation trip is in December. However, you know that deep down, a get away from your daily routine (even if it’s just for 48 hours) is just what you need to keep being the best version of yourself. Weekend getaways are now like sweet music to the ears of every 9-5 worker or even a stay-at-home parent. This short time out allows you to do some unwinding and take a break from your monotonous city life. Weekend getaways are the in thing now because they’re cheap and can do so much healing to your mental and physical health. With all that’s been said, we have a pretty rad idea of where your next weekend getaway should be and that’s Houston! The “H-Town” is the perfect city to explore and have fun alone or with friends. There are so many black-owned businesses that can give you top-notch experiences when visiting Houston. Let’s get started, shall we? Start Your Day With Some Delicious Breakfast Okay so your weekend getaway starts on Saturday morning and after arriving late on Friday night, you wake up hungry. A weekend getaway in Houston calls for some mouth-watering soul food. Our first breakfast spot we know you’ll love is The Breakfast Klub. The Breakfast Klub is located in midtown Houston and it’s a black-owned diner-style restaurant that serves both American eats and finger-licking soul food. In the spirit of gaining new experiences, we have a few favorites from the menu that you absolutely need to try. The Fried Chicken and Waffles and the Fried Catfish and Grits (hello calories) are to-die-for! You can wash all of that tasty goodness with the Breakfast Klub Coffee. Another black-owned restaurant you can check out is the Taste Bar + Kitchen also located in midtown Houston. The Taste Bar + Kitchen is popular for its comfort foods and craft cocktails. Your must-try out of the menu is the Shrimp and Grits, Jerk Lamb Chops, and a Lavender Blueberry Margarita. It’s Lunch Time! After such a tasty breakfast, you probably journaled, watched a funny movie, and took a much-needed nap. Lunchtime is here and we have the perfect spots for you! Lost & Found takes the first spot and of course, it’s a black-owned business located in midtown Houston. For lunch, we recommend the Brunch Pasta, Fried Ribs with Hennessy BBQ Sauce, and a Golden Cadillac Margarita. Another black-owned restaurant you’ll love is the Twisted Grill Cheese because who doesn't love cheese? This unique lunch spot is located on Washington Avenue Houston serves an array of cheesy dishes like the Halal Philly Grilled Cheesesteak, Smokehouse Brisket, and refreshing drinks like the Cherry Limeade. Mikki’s Soulfood Cafe is an amazing black-owned business and also a community favorite. It’s located on W Bellfort Avenue Houston serves amazing homemade soul food. Popular on the menu include Smothered Pork Chops, Beef Steak, and the Ox Tails. Dessert Is A Must! After lunch, you should head on over to the Sweet Timez Bakery located on Westheimer road Houston for delicious desserts. There are so many finger-licking pastries to try out but we’ll recommend three favs off the menu. Ice cream is always a good idea so you can get the Ice Cream Sundae, Strawberry Cupcakes, or the Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie. Ms. Myrtle’s Bakery Shoppe is also a black-owned business located on Emancipation Avenue. Walk in and take the Pineapple Upside, Butter Cake with Chocolate Glaze, and Nana’s Banana Pudding on your way out. You’re not worrying about calories for the next 48 hours. Happy Hour! Your weekend getaway is about to get even more memorable with these black-owned happy hour spots. The Upper Kirby Bistro is located on Virginia Street Houston with a beautiful and welcoming ambiance. This spot serves delicious happy hour treats like the Nashville Hot Slider, Crispy Asian Shrimps, and a Purple Rain cocktail amongst others. Next on our happy hour list is Prospect Park which offers you delicious meals and a lively atmosphere. Sway to the beat with live music performances and enjoy watching sports matches. Still on happy hour, you can enjoy live entertainment and bust some moves on the dance floor at the Grooves of Houston. Sip on your Cosmopolitan or Caipirinha while you let off some pent-up stress. Self-Care Is A Must Darlin’ You deserve to get pampered on your weekend getaway trip to Houston. Go on into the Glossed Glam Factory; a black-owned business located on Webster Street Houston. Get a much-deserved mani-pedi, a back massage (much needed after hours of sitting at work), or a Brazilian wax. All of these make you feel great! What’s For Dinner? There’s so much to try in just 48 hours which is why we’re recommending all the great black-owned restaurants in Houston. For dinner, you can check out Lucille’s located on La Branch Street Houston. In a cozy and vintage house, enjoy some Seared Scallops, Grilled Octopus, and Bloody Mary. A second choice could be the Thirteen located on Bagby Street. Their delicious menu includes Teriyaki Glazed Salmon and Lobster Bisque. Lastly, Turkey Leg Hut located on Almeda Road serves Dirty Rice and Hennessy Glazed Turkey Leg and other delicious dishes for dinner. NightLife/ Bar and Lounge Round up the night at these two black-owned businesses in Houston. The A’dor Kitchen & Cocktail is a great spot to dance the night away with live music while enjoying delicious food and cocktails. Kamp provides a chilled atmosphere to enjoy a Mimosa and Crab Fingers on the last night of your well-deserved weekend getaway. We had so much fun with this post and we hope you did too. This is a friendly reminder to support black-owned businesses everywhere you find yourself. Until next time!