Before I begin this article, I want to say rest in peace to those whose life's were recently taken by an act of hate and violent and my prayers are with their families.

This past week I, along with the rest the rest of America, the black community specifically, have shed tears and felt outraged and hopeless and cheated. This is a time where it is most important to stand together and support each other. A great way to do so it by supporting your local black owned businesses. Below I have listed black owned businesses in the Augusta, Georgia area, also known as the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), I personally enjoy and businesses I would love to support in the future.

1. Sweets on Broad

Sweets on Broad is "your one stop sweet shop is historic downtown Augusta!" Located at 956 Broad Street and serves ice cream, candy, cake, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and other wonderful desserts.

2. Cafe 209

Augusta's favorite home cooking restaurant and catering located in downtown Augusta at 956 Broad Street.

3. PoPin' STOP

Augusta's first gourmet popcorn and candy gallery! Not only do they have a wide array of great popcorn to choose from they also host painting parties for all ages to enjoy. The shop is located at 3558 Windsor Spring Road Hephzibah, Georgia.

4. Humanitree House Juice Joint and Gallery

Humanitree offers cold pressed juices, smoothies and fresh vegan food options. As well as food Humanitree is an art gallery, music venue, education centre, a movie screening theater, a community centre, and much more. It's located in downtown Augusta at 230 8th Street.

5. The Cotton Patch

Founded in 1990, The Cotton Patch is one of the oldest restaurants in Downtown. Enjoy great southern style food, live blues, and jazz weekly. Located at 816 Cotton Ln Augusta, Georgia.

6. Unique Vision Hair Salon

Opened in 2008 by Melanie Taylor, Unique Vision specializes in healthy, free-flowing hair, natural hair, wedding styles, locs and more. The stylists at this salon not only specialize in hair, but also the upbringing of young girls through their very own mentorship program and community service.

This list is definitely not every black owned business in the CSRA, so please comment any more businesses that you would like to show support for. Help strengthen our community by supporting our businesses. We cannot equip ourselves until we strengthen our own community's economic base.