Throughout the U.S., communities are celebrating Juneteenth today with art, panel discussions, virtual concerts and more. The holiday, observed annually on June 19, commemorates when slaves in Galveston, Texas learned that slavery had been abolished – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was executed in 1863.
Despite slavery’s end, its legacy lives on in today’s economy, resulting in significant racial and wealth income gaps. While, undeniably, progress has been made, these gaps illustrate just how far Black Americans have to go in their pursuit of equality and justice.
In light of these economic disparities, some have called for those celebrating Juneteenth to do so by supporting Black-owned businesses. So here are 10 businesses to support in South Fulton on Juneteenth and all year long. Visit our Facebook page to share more.
1. Sandtown Pub
5819 Campbellton Rd., Suite 202, South Fulton, Ga. 30331
Sandtown Pub is one of South Fulton’s most popular destinations for wings, cocktails and fellowshipping with neighbors while watching the Atlanta Falcons. The pub recently rolled out its new food truck and booking is currently available. Communities thrive when business owners give back and owner Fredericka Jones is well-known for her philanthropy. One of her most popular charitable endeavors is a free Thanksgiving dinner that she hosts at the pub every year.
2. Head’s Plumbing Service
4381 Campbellton Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 30331
https://headsplumbing.com/
Head’s Plumbing Service has operated in the metro Atlanta area since 1981. The company offers plumbing repairs, home renovation services and 24/7 plumbing emergency services. Just yesterday, the family business celebrated a major milestone. South Fulton resident Odari Head was able to take his son to work with him, just as his father did for him when he was young.
3. MARTI Transportation
https://www.martitransportation.com/
MARTI Transportation, owned by South Fulton residents Marlon and Tiffany Mormon, is known for five-star luxury. The company offers state-of-the-art, super premium SUV, executive sprinter shuttle and motor coach transportation service throughout the metro area. The enterprising couple also owns The Headphone Company (https://theheadphoneco.com/), specializing in silent party rentals.
4. Your Faith Farms
7555 Jones Rd., South Fulton, Ga. 30213
http://yourfaithfarms.com/
Your Faith Farms is owned by Patrick Muhammad and his wife Ishtar. For South Fulton residents seeking the farm-to-table experience and hoping to reduce their carbon footprint, the family-owned farm is a nearby destination for grass-fed beef, lamb and goat.
5. Ponder’s Cleaners
4473 Campbellton Road, Atlanta, Ga. 30331
Ponder’s Cleaners has served residents of the Atlanta metro area for 40 years. Owned by a South Fulton resident, the family business recently announced that they were in jeopardy of closing due to the financial impact of COVID-19. The community is rallying to help support the business and keep it open for many years to come. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched.
6. Ace Hardware of South Fulton
6385 Old National Hwy., South Fulton, Ga. 30349
Ace Hardware of South Fulton recently launched on Old National Highway and celebrated its official grand opening earlier this month. In addition to home improvement products and supplies, the store also specializes in party equipment rental. The store will host a Labor Day Block Party on September 5.
7. Sasha Sweets
3435 Roosevelt Hwy., Suite 10, South Fulton, Ga. 30349
If you’re looking for the area’s best cupcake or other decadent desserts, look no further than Sasha Sweets. Topping the list of her biggest sellers are her red velvet, Snickers and strawberry cupcakes, but her banana pudding cups, peach cobbler and over-the-top milkshakes are just as popular.
8. Chick Fil-A Cascade Road
3725 Cascade Rd., South Fulton, Ga. 30331
Operated by Rory Woodfaulk, the Chick Fil-A on Cascade Road is not only many residents’ favorite destination for a chicken sandwich, but a faithful employer of many of the community’s youth. Woodfaulk recently invested in several of the students’ futures by awarding them scholarships. Since opening three years ago, Woodfaulk has been a consistent and dependable community partner, and a routine supporter of local schools and causes.
9. Blessed by Spa
https://www.blessedbyspa.com/
Owned by South Fulton resident Jonika Sutton, Blessed by Spa offers everything from soaps and body oil to a beard maintenance kit. Among the company’s top sellers are the whipped body butters in a variety of scents, including lavender, lemongrass, vanilla, cherry blossom and lemon sugar.
10. Bella: A Baltimore Crab & Seafood Company
3220 Butner Rd. Suite 250, South Fulton, Ga. 30331
https://www.bellarestaurantatl.com/
Bella offers a boutique dining experience at The Shops at Camp Creek Village. The menu is carefully curated by high-profile chef Keoko Turner, who wants patrons to think of the restaurant as “not really fussy fine dining but refined food.” The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Neighborhood favorites include the ribeye burger and kale salad.
Photo: The Head’s Plumbing legacy continues as Odari Head shares what he’s learned from his family business with his son. (Credit: Khadija Head)