Baltimore has a rich history, steeped in Black culture. It’s made up of 60% Black residents with several businesses from the culture at the heart of the economy. It is the ideal destination for immersion in the African American experience.
Visit Baltimore’s new and free BoP Pass has a host of exclusive deals, discounts, and special offers to various attractions exploring Baltimore’s deep African American history and heritage. Here are a few of the attractions, restaurants, and shops to put at the top of your list.
Black-Owned Restaurants + Food & Beverage Companies
Ida B’s Table – This is a modern soul food restaurant that puts its own creative spin on Southern cuisine. It also lays claim to being one of the best brunch spots in Baltimore. Opened in 2017, it is named after Ida B. Wells, a pioneering investigative journalist who doubled as a civil rights activist.
Terra Café – This café has been serving the city of Baltimore since it opened more than 10 years ago with various comfort food classics including shrimp and grits, fish and waffles, and omelets. Owner Terence Dickson is committed to giving back to the community as evidenced by a partnership with World Central Kitchen to distribute food to those in need. Dickson also recently launched an incubator that helps Black micro-businesses to assist those who have been adversely affected by the pandemic.
Crust by Mack – Opened in 2018, this is the first physical establishment from owner Amanda Mack. She got her foot in the industry by selling her baked products to pay for her high school graduation regalia. Now, loyal customers line up to sample her selection of sweet treats before they sell out.
Le Monade – Launched in 2017, Le Monade is a beverage boutique offering unique small-batch drink mixers, blends, and syrups, And how’s this for history: It was founded by Carleen Goodridge, who has family ties to iconic abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman.
Art
The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) extended an invitation to a selection of 22 Baltimore-based galleries and collectives to use the museum’s digital platform The Necessity of Tomorrow(s), in an effort to reach new audiences. This includes as they lay, a new social practice art initiative founded by musician Abdu Ali. Their first-ever exhibit, The Softer I Feel, The Freer I Be features photography, poetry, and collage. Note: The museum is temporarily closed for in-person viewing.
Related: Historic Baltimore Hotel Is Offering A Free Place For Those Diagnosed With COVID-19 To Self-Isolate