Best of Black Business 2026: Community Honors Minnesota’s Top Black-Owned Businesses
The second annual Best of Black Business Awards, presented by Sister Spokesman and the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, filled the Center for Performing Arts on Nov. 7 with games, vendors, food, and a performance by Sounds of Blackness member Tasha Prince. The public nominated and voted on honorees in five categories.
Winners included:
- Golden Thyme in Food and Drink
- Hayat Beauty Salon in Hair and Nails
- 612 Jungle in Health and Wellness
- Minuteman Press Uptown in Professional Services
- Strive Bookstore in Retail and Merchandise
Event and Winner Highlights
Winners shared that knowing the community chose them made the honor meaningful. MSR CEO and Publisher Tracey Williams-Dillard encouraged continued support for these businesses.
A room in the Center for Performing Arts on Minneapolis’ South Side was filled with business owners, their teams, and community members for the event. On Nov. 7, Sister Spokesman and the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder revealed honorees across five categories, following community nominations and voting.
The day featured classic Sister Spokesman games, local vendors, food, and performances by Tasha Prince.
Category Winners
Health and Wellness:
- Winner: 612 Jungle - Owned by Gabrielle Roberts, who emphasized the community's role in the business's success.
Retail and Merchandise:
- Winner: Strive Bookstore - Owned by Mary Taris, who saw the award as validation for her work creating a community space.
Mikeya Griffin, president and CEO of Rondo Community Land Trust (owners of Golden Thyme), congratulated all nominees, highlighting the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses.
Hair and Nails:
- Winner: Hayat Beauty Salon - Opened in 2007 by Hayat Mohamed to provide a welcoming space for Black women.