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Protests drive support for black-owned businesses

BY KRISTINE CANNON

Progress Staff Writer

Following a weekend of nationwide protests against police brutality — some peaceful, some that resulted in looting, including in Scottsdale — many are in search of effective ways to support the black community.

In addition to protesting, signing petitions and donating to organizations, people are also supporting black-owned businesses and restaurants.

“Here in Arizona, we’ve seen largely white-led looting happening in cities like Scottsdale. Please do not believe those instances have anything to do with racial justice,” wrote Local First Arizona, a nonpro�it that supports, promotes, and advocates for

Alexandra Bradberry is the founder of the Sparkle Bar, a full-service makeup studio on Marshall Way. (The Sparkle Bar)

a strong local business community.

“We ask you to recognize the pain the black community has endured and also to recognize this is all of our issues. Everyone has a role to play in creating opportunity for all.”

According to the Washington Post, the pandemic has hit black business owners hard with the number of owners falling 40 percent since February, a steeper decline than any other racial group.

NBC News said one cause for the decline is that black-owned businesses were less likely to get coronavirus relief loans.

“There is a pandemic happening and a lot of businesses are barely hanging on,” said Alexandra Bradberry, founder of the Sparkle Bar in Old Town. “One of the best ways to support black-owned businesses and restaurants right now is with your business.

“In a society where money offers security, continuing to �inancially support the restaurants and businesses that make our community vibrant and unique are a great way to do that,” she added.

Bradberry said she’s felt and received support on a local level.

“Other business owners and community leaders have reached out to me wanting to listen and take steps that lead to actions,” she said. “I’m not an expert, but empathy and compassion are needed right now while recognizing the systemic racism that has existed in our country and a community in pain.

“That is the �irst step towards healing, and I’m encouraged to see so many listening and learning how to be allies.”

ATL Wings

Founded in 2012 in Chandler, Mike and Cianna grew this popular wings restaurant — which boasts more than 20 exclusive homemade sauces — from one to 14 locations around the state. Founders: Mike and Cianna Kirksey Where: 3554 N. Goldwater Blvd., Suite D Call: 480-404-7188 Website: atlwings.com

Caribbean Palm Restaurant & Bar

Authentic Caribbean food is the drawing card here in the Papago Shopping Center. Founder: Lesford McKenzie Where: 2515 N. Scottsdale Road Call: 480-947-4343 Website: caribbeanpalmscottsdale.com

Dream Curls Salon

The Old Town salon specializes in – you guessed it – curly hair. Owner Mimi Armenteros plans to launch her own curly-hair product line. Founder: Mimi Armenteros Where: 7319 E. Stetson Drive, #2 Call: 480-340-6414 Website: dreamcurlssalon.com

ElevateMeD

ElevateMeD is a nonpro�it organization committed to elevating medicine by providing scholar

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN SCOTTSDALE INCLUDE:

ships, mentoring, and support to medical students ey soak, their signature service. from African American, Latinx, and Native AmeriFounders: Tahnee Reed, Ericka Rosas, and Samancan backgrounds. tha Mahoney Founder: Alyx Porter Umphrey Where: 3533 N. 70th Street, Suite 201 Where: 20701 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 107-462 Call: 480-712-9006 Call: 480-269-5774 Website: linktr.ee/houseof_nailz Website: elevatemed.org Lolo’s Chicken & Waf�les Fired Pie This chicken, waf�les and soul food restaurant was Fired Pie is the brainchild of founders Doug Doyle founded in 2002 and has since expanded to six loand Fred Morgan, who worked together for more cations throughout the southwest — in Arizona, than 15 at California Pizza Kitchen. Of its 21 locaNevada, and Texas. tions in Arizona, four of which are in Scottsdale. Founder: Larry White Founders: Doug Doyle and Fred Morgan Where: 3133 N. Scottsdale Road Where: Zocallo Plaza, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Call: 480-945-1920 Mountain View, Northsight and Raintree Website: loloschickenandwaf�les.com Website: �iredpie.com Mozell & Company HAIRLOKS by ARLETTE Located in the Belle Vie II Salon Suites in Old Town, Pender relocated from Brooklyn to Scottsdale and this black hair salon offers relaxed or straight hair opened the natural hair care salon in 1996. She’s services, natural and transitioning hair services, garnered positive reviews from clients. texture services, and more. Founder: Arlette Pender Founder: Mozell Avery Where: 7000 E. Shea Blvd., #1616 Where: 4260 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Suite 100-10 Call: 480-907-9498 Call: 480-577-8844 Website: hairloksbyarlette.com Website: mozellandcompany.com

House of Nailz

The new nail salon recently opened in Old Town and offers services such as a luxury milk and hon

The Original Pancake House

Winner of the James Beard Award, the Original Pancake House was founded in 1953 in Portland, Oregon and opened in Scottsdale in 1988. Founders: Les Highet and Erma Hueneke Where: 6840 E. Camelback Road Call: 480-946-4902 Website: originalpancakehouse.com

The Sparkle Bar

Opened in 2015, the Sparkle Bar is Arizona’s �irst full-service makeup studio that offers everything from full-face to touch-ups to a la carte services, like false lash application, and makeup lessons. Founder: Alexandra Bradberry Where: 4200 N. Marshall Way, #7 Call: 480-941-3438 Website: thesparklebar.com

SugarJam Cookies & Restaurant

Founded in 2011, SugarJam is famous for its sugar cookie, which owner Dana Dumas describes as “texture soft with an intoxicating aromatic smell.” The northern Scottsdale bakery and bistro also offers breakfast, brunch, dinner, and catering. Founder: Dana Dumas Where: 7950 E. Red�ield Road, Suite 100 Call: 480-948-6210 Website: sugarjamcookies.com