Virginia City, TIkTok, viral video, antiracism center, university of Minnesota

Paid To Be Racist: Supporters Launch Campaign For Ex-Cinnabon Worker Who Attacked Somali Couple

One admitted to donating “simply to piss off the self righteous, hypocritical, pronoun preaching, liberal pukes of the world."


It seems several people are willing to support the former Cinnabon employee who was fired after a video of a racist rant against a Somali couple went viral on social media. 

Crystal Terese Wilsey has received more than $140,000 in monetary support from those who believe she was in the right to verbally attack a couple who allegedly asked for more caramel on a Cinnabon item. Using the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo, the fundraiser says “funds go to making sure Crystal lands on her feet after this betrayal,” referring to the dessert company’s decision to terminate her. “Instead of banning the offenders and backing their employee, Cinnabon fires Crystal to keep the nons happy,” the fundraiser, created by Tom Hennessey, read. 

“No White person should lose their job for refusing to be harassed by Somalians.”

The comments from mostly anonymous donors share similar sentiments. One admitted to donating “simply to piss off the self-righteous, hypocritical, pronoun-preaching, liberal pukes of the world.” “F the biased media too,” the donor wrote. Others thanked her for “standing up for real Americans.”

Wilsey was seen on camera making racist remarks about a Somali woman’s hijab during the encounter that took place Dec. 5 at Bay Park Square Mall in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. She then admitted to being racist and said, “I’ll say it to the whole entire world,” followed by telling the couple, “don’t be disrespectful.” 

According to CBS Austin, the couple called Wilsey an idiot, told her she was ruining her life, and said she would be fired. It didn’t take Cinnabon long to catch wind of the commotion. “We are aware of the deeply troubling video involving a former employee at the independently owned and operated Cinnabon bakery in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. The individual seen in the video was immediately terminated by the franchise owner,” the company said in a statement. 

“Their actions and statements are completely unacceptable and in no way reflect the values of Cinnabon, our franchisees, or the welcoming environment we expect for every guest and team member. We take this situation seriously and remain committed to ensuring all guests are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness every time they visit one of our bakeries.”

As for the couple, a woman named Sabrina Osman, who claims to be a cousin of the couple, started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover “legal fees and lawyer costs as we pursue justice.” Out of the goal of $45,000, so far, the campaign has raised over $13,000. Osman says it’s time for the racism in this country to stop. “The racism in this country is getting out of hand, and we refuse to stay silent,” the fundraiser read. 

“No one should ever have to experience this kind of hate.”

Racism in parts of the U.S. has increased as the Trump administration has taken over the White House for a second time. Since a Dec. 2 cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump has unleashed verbal attacks against Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee, referring to her as “garbage.” 

At the beginning of 2025, Haitian migrants in Ohio were under attack after Trump and Vice President JD Vance falsely claimed they were stealing and eating neighborhood pets.

RELATED CONTENT: Report Exposes Deep-Rooted Racism At London’s Metropolitan Police

clothes donation

Study Urges Americans To Reduce Overbuying Low-Quality Clothes To Reduce Donation Waste

There's a dark side to donating clothes to charity that is fueling global textile waste.


New research reveals the hidden downside of clothing donations, showing how they contribute to environmental waste and strain charities.

A new study from Nature Cities tracked clothing donations in nine affluent cities—including Austin, Toronto, Melbourne, and Oslo—and found that charities receive far more clothing than they can sell, Earth.com reports. Much of it ends up discarded or shipped overseas, contributing to tens of millions of tons of global textile waste each year.

The cycle often begins in wealthy cities where fast fashion dominates: people buy and discard clothes rapidly. While local waste figures may appear lower, the environmental burden gets passed off to another country. In March, the UN Environment Programme reported that the world generates 92 million tons of textile waste each year. The research highlights how charities are overwhelmed by donations, as they were never intended to serve as global waste-management systems.

“We’re used to charities doing the heavy lifting, but they’ve been unable to fully handle the volume of donated clothes for a long time now,” said Dr. Yassie Samie of RMIT University in Melbourne. “Charities are driven by social welfare values and need to raise funds for their programs. However, their operations are ill-equipped to deal with the volume of used textiles that need to be reused and recycled.”

The problem stems from overconsumption and oversupply, the study found. Cheap, low-quality clothing is bought in excess, worn only a few times, before being thrown out. Many items can’t survive multiple owners or recycling, and the flood of poor-quality donations even undermines small resale businesses, forcing some thrift stores to import higher-quality used clothing.

Researchers recommend embracing “sufficiency,” encouraging consumers to buy fewer low-quality clothes and choose items they’ll wear long-term. They also urge cities to manage textile waste locally rather than shipping it overseas by creating systems to collect, sort, and process old clothes. Cities can promote repair and reuse through initiatives like lending sewing machines at libraries, teaching mending skills, or hosting clothing swaps.

To tackle fast fashion, they suggest limiting public fashion advertising and instead highlighting local thrift stores, repair shops, and swap events.

“Sustainable fashion initiatives, like second-hand retailers, struggle to compete with fashion brands’ big marketing budgets and convenient locations,” Dr. Samie noted. “Fast fashion alternatives exist, but they are under-promoted, despite their potential to significantly reduce cities’ textile waste.”

RELATED CONTENT: Michigan Native Vows To Donate $1M To Non-Profits During ‘Pull Up Season’

EYE

Elevate Your Excellence: Ariel Co-CEO Mellody Hobson Continues Push For Black Economic Empowerment

Hobson is a vocal advocate for financial literacy.


Mellody Hobson is an American investment management executive, business leader, and prominent financial literacy advocate who serves as co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chairman of the Board of Trustees for Ariel Investment Trust.

Known for her extensive service across major corporate and civic boards, Hobson has built a career focused on strategic growth and promoting economic inclusion.

Corporate Leadership and Advocacy

A Chicago native, Hobson joined Ariel Capital Management directly after graduating from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations in 1991. Despite a substantial drop in managed assets following Ariel’s split from its parent company in 1994, Hobson ascended through the firm’s ranks, serving nearly two decades as president before being named co-CEO. The firm now manages $10 billion in assets. In 2021, she co-founded Ariel Alternatives, LLC and its inaugural private equity fund, Project Black®.

Beyond Ariel, Hobson’s executive stature is affirmed by her service as a director of JPMorgan Chase. Her previous directorial roles included serving on the boards of directors of Estée Lauder Companies and DreamWorks Animation until their sales in 2016.

Hobson is a vocal advocate for financial literacy, having authored the New York Times bestselling children’s book, Priceless Facts about Money. She created and hosted the television show Unbroke: What You Need to Know About Money. In 2015, Time Magazine named her one of the “100 Most Influential People” in the world.

Hobson’s tenure with the coffee giant Starbucks Corporation concluded in January. Just days after informing the company of her decision not to seek re-election, Starbucks announced Hobson’s departure as its lead independent director after nearly 20 years serving on the board.

Her exit comes months after she spearheaded efforts to appoint a new chief executive during a challenging period for the world’s largest coffee chain. Hobson previously served as chair of the Starbucks board.

Education and Philanthropic Endeavors

Hobson’s civic and cultural leadership will be dramatically highlighted by the official opening date of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, where she serves as co-chair. The highly anticipated museum, founded by her husband, filmmaker George Lucas, and designed to celebrate illustrated storytelling as a universal language, is slated to open its doors on Sept. 22, 2026.

On Nov. 12, Hobson shared the good news on Instagram.

“It’s official! Our doors open on September 22, 2026. The Lucas Museum is built on the belief that illustrated storytelling is a universal language. We seek to explore the stories that move us, connect us, and capture the human experience —elevating artists as the essential storytellers of our times. ‘Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life.’
– George Lucas, Co-founder.

Lucas articulated the museum’s ethos. “Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life.”

Hobson received the Woodrow Wilson Award—Princeton University’s highest honor for commitment to national service—in 2019. She holds honorary doctorates from several institutions, including Howard University and the University of Southern California. She was also honored by Black Enterprise with the Barbara Graves Women of Power Legacy Award in 2024.

Her commitment to civic life includes co-chairing the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and serving on the boards of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and multiple Chicago-based organizations, such as the Chicago Public Library and the Field Museum. In 2025, she founded Project Level® to advance women’s sports.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevate Your Excellence: Ananda Lewis Remembered As The Luminous VJ Who Defined A Generation’s Voice


Black Men In LA Will Get Suited And Booted For Holiday Toy Drive

Black Men In LA Will Get Suited And Booted For Holiday Toy Drive

The initiative is part of Black Menswear’s broader mission to build community connections, challenge stereotypes.


Black Menswear, an organization known for coordinating “flash mobs” to increase Black male representation, announced a Los Angeles FlashMob event and holiday toy drive.

Organizers say the initiative is part of Black Menswear’s broader mission to build community connections, challenge stereotypes, and use cultural events to foster positive visibility and social impact. The toy drive will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles. Men are invited to take part in a public demonstration of style, collective power and solidarity. Registration for the event requires men to be suited and booted and is completely free. 

The organization put out the call for participants on Instagram.

 

“This December, we’re ending 2025 the same way we started it — showing up for each other! LA FlashMob Weekend is our last stop of the year, and the energy is already building. Pull up with intention. Pull up for brotherhood. Pull up for the city. Pull up for the culture,” the post read.

 

Black Menswear Founder Neandre Broussard spoke to EIN Presswire about the organization’s third year hosting a toy drive. Initially held in Miami, the holiday drive will move to the West Coast.

“This FlashMob, we’re keeping our December tradition of hosting a toy drive during our iconic link up. For the last three years, we’ve supported the City of Miami Gardens with toys for young people, but this year, we’re sharing that support with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro LA. As we gather to network and build brotherhood, we also want to make this holiday season a little more special for families who could use a little support,” said Broussard.

Multiple events are scheduled to support the Black Men’s Wear agenda. Events include the FlashMob main event Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Opportunities to network, fellowship, and explore mental health tools will also be offered.

  • Friday Morning – Mindfulness Meditation
  • Friday Evening – 8 pm Welcome Event/Mixer
  • Saturday Morning 10 a – The FlashMob + Toy Drive at Grand Park (135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA)
  • Saturday Evening 9 p – Brunch @ Night Soiree w/ Sammie Proper

Registration details for the event are available on the Black Menswear Eventbrite page.

RELATED CONTENT: Young Black Men Are Trading In The ‘YN’; Look For Matcha And Quarter Zip Sweaters

taylor, plant cafe, curly cafe, curly

Spelman Innovator Works To Train AI ‘In The Context Of Curls’

The inability of artificial intelligence to identify the complexity of Black hair reveals implicit bias in AI training.


Blanca Burch, a Spelman College AI Innovation scholar, is leading an effort called “In the Context of Curls: to improve how artificial intelligence approaches Black hair.

The project gathers feedback from Black women to test the capacity of AI models to decipher Black hairstyles and textures, according to the college. Over the next year, Burch aims to recruit at least 200 participants to provide the necessary data.

Burch found AI image generators to be severely lacking when depicting Black hairstyles like braids, afros, twists, and cornrows. As a result, she decided to dedicate her scholarship to contribute to the ever-growing AI landscape. 

The HBCU researcher told CBS Atlanta that her attempt to alter an image of herself using AI was less than ideal. “As soon as I typed in ‘Black woman with a pineapple hairstyle, the AI struggled.”

Burch’s work aims to push developers to build more inclusive data sets and to design AI tools that respect hair diversity rather than enforce narrow standards. 

“The goal of the research is to highlight biases found in the current generative systems and advocate for more inclusive datasets and design practices for tools that are going to be implemented in the future,” Burch told Spelman. 

In August 2025, Forbes reported on an independent study that compared three widely used AI image and face-analysis systems. The study found that, when shown images of the same Black woman with different hairstyles—afro, braids, straight hair—the tools often rated braided styles as less “professional” or “intelligent.” The software sometimes failed to recognize the same person across hairstyle changes. 

Furthermore, the test showed that white women did not trigger the same penalties. The difference between the evaluation of white women and Black women when using AI points to an implicit bias in the training of the AI. Burch’s work with “In the Context of Curls” intends to eliminate that bias.

At Spelman’s Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab, Burch and her mentor, Jaycee Holmes, are leading workshops that combine technical training with critical thinking. The exploration is about ethics as much as it is about representation in AI. Their mission is to make sure Black voices and appearances are not an afterthought in technological advancements.

“Technology should work for everyone,” Holmes told CBS Atlanta.

Burch seconded the sentiment. “We’re at the start of a technological era. All of the feedback that’s being given is important and can make a really big difference.” 

RELATED CONTENT: Democrats Reintroduce AI Civil Rights Act To Eliminate AI Discrimination

Melania Trump, George Floyd

Social Media Drags Melania Trump After Children’s ‘Cringemas’ Reading Goes Viral

What was supposed to be a continuation of a decades-old tradition for first ladies turned into a laugh fest on social media.


While first lady Melania Trump was attempting to spread Christmas joy with a traditional reading to patients at Washington D.C.’s Children’s National Hospital, social media was busy critiquing her performance. 

What was supposed to be a continuation of a decades-old tradition for first ladies turned into a laugh fest on social media as users dragged Trump for failing to keep the children’s attention while she read How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” to a group of young patients. 

Her heavy accent was also a co-star of the show.

Escorted to her seat by an 11-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl, it was obvious shortly after the story began that the kids were paying attention elsewhere. Many social media users gave some insight as to why: “Um, retired first-grade teacher here. Did Melania ever think to show the children the pictures in the book?” one critic asked, according to Blast.  

Another pointed out her seemingly less-than-festive attire: “You know, I don’t have to like Melania. I also think if you read to kids, you show them the pictures and don’t dress like a funeral director, but that’s just me.”

On other platforms, like Instagram, users were attacking the Slovenia native’s heavy accent. “This is so sweet!! Can’t wait for the English version to drop !!,” a user wrote. 

Another asked, “Do we press 1 for the English version?” while one user claimed, “I know those kids were confused as hell, like what tf is she saying.” 

Jokes aside, reports reveal that attendees, including the kids, were thankful for her presence. After the reading, Trump met with some patients and left them some Christmas cheer, gifting “Be Best” ornaments to them.

“I’m sure Santa will visit all of you this Christmas and bring you a lot of toys, so I wish you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” she said, according to ABC News. “I wish you a lot of strength and love.”

The holiday tradition was started by First Lady Bess Truman, who served from 1945 to 1953.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Backing Reportedly Pushes Paramount To Make ‘Rush Hour 4’

Jay-Z, old west, black folks, book of Clarence, new testament, film, produce, movie, Reebok, super bowl

JAY-Z Hitches Plan With Hanwha Group To Invest In South Korean Culture

'South Korea is a cultural nexus of Asia, influencing global trends in beauty, content, food, entertainment and lifestyle, making it the ideal gateway for our partnership with Hanwha,” said Robbie Robinson, managing partner and chief executive of MarcyPen Capitol Partners


Brooklyn-bred billionaire Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and his investment firm, MarcyPen Capital Partners, are investing in Korean culture through a targeted $500 million partnership with Hanwha Group.

According to The Financial Times, the two companies announced the collaboration during Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The popularity of K-pop drives the partnership, which will be overseen by MarcyPen Asia, based in Seoul, and Hanwha Asset Management, the financial division of the Hanwha Group.

“South Korea is a cultural nexus of Asia, influencing global trends in beauty, content, food, entertainment, and lifestyle, making it the ideal gateway for our partnership with Hanwha,” Robbie Robinson, managing partner and chief executive of MarcyPen, said in a written statement.

The two entities intend to raise money in the latter half of 2026 from institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and wealthy individuals.

The continued popularity of Korean culture, including entertainment, beauty, food, and fashion, is often referred to as the “Korean wave.” It has generated more than $31 billion worldwide, according to Bernie Cho, president of DFSB Kollective, a Korean music export agency. “[It] is now the second-largest consumer goods export out of South Korea” after cars, Cho said.

“There is an opportunity for the global expansion of Korean companies,” said Jong-Ho James Kim, chief executive of Hanwha Asset Management. “Usually, Korean companies use their own capital or corporate funds, but if there is third-party assistance, then our growth potential will be greater.”

The Korea Herald reported that MarcyPen Capital Partners was founded last year after Marcy Venture Partners, co-founded by JAY-Z, merged with Pendulum Opportunities, the investment arm of Pendulum Holdings. The company, which is based in the United States, manages about $1 billion while focusing on strategic capital for early-stage consumer and innovative businesses that “create, move, and lead culture.”

The venture into the international realm is just the latest for the “Brooklyn’s Finest” lyricist. This past summer, it was reported that he and his wife, Beyoncé, closed on a 58-acre estate in the Cotswolds in England.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘The Book of HOV’ Jay-Z Exhibit Sets Record For Attendance At The Brooklyn Public Library

Wendy Williams, guardianship, career

How You Doin?! Wendy Williams’ Lawyers Says Her Conservatorship Will End By Year’s End

Wendy Williams’ lawyers are working to ensure her court-ordered conservatorship ends before 2026.


Wendy Williams may reclaim her independence by year’s end, as her lawyer announces her conservatorship is expected to conclude before the new year.

Williams’ prominent attorney, Joe Tacopina, recently appeared on ABC’s Nightline and claimed that lawyers are actively working to wrap up the former talk show host’s conservatorship within the coming weeks. According to the powerhouse attorney, Williams “will be out of [her] conservatorship” by the end of the year.

“[Williams] does not have frontotemporal dementia, so that should be game, set, match,” Tocapina said. “The plan is this … there are guardianship attorneys … and we’re watching and waiting, and they’ve assured Wendy by year’s end she’ll be out of guardianship.”

Wendy Williams has been under a court-ordered conservatorship since 2022, after Wells Fargo sent a letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Arlene Bluth raising concerns about her well-being. In 2023, while battling Graves’ disease and lymphedema, Williams was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. At the time, she was in an undisclosed treatment center, where her family said they could not reach her.

Since then, Williams has publicly sought to end the conservatorship, even holding up a sign that read “Help Wendy!” at the window of her NYC facility. In March, she told the media that she passed a mental-capacity test, “with flying colors.”

“I am not incapacitated as I’ve been accused, and this floor that I live on is the memory unit,” Williams recalled telling officers who arrived at the living facility after she wrote the note. “The people who live there don’t remember anything, unlike me. Why am I here? What is going on?”

In August, a medical exam led to her being rediagnosed and her guardianship upheld. Last month, a top neurologist determined that she does not have frontotemporal dementia, overturning her 2023 diagnosis. This conclusion followed a series of tests conducted by a New York City-based doctor, and the results were sent to Williams’ legal team in late October.

Tacopina has announced plans to demand a jury trial and disclose the updated medical findings.

“You and I can go take a walk downstairs right now … we’ll find five people in an hour who will belong more in a guardianship program than Wendy Williams,” Tocapina told Nightline‘s Byron Pitts.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Dismisses Wendy Williams’ Ex-Husband’s Lawsuit Over Guardianship

low-income, postpartum, Medicaid

OWN’s Upcoming Show Dives Into Cash-Strapped Lives Of American Families

The show focuses on people whose financial choices led to familial strain.


OWN’s new reality show dives into the cash-strapped reality of American families.

Maxxed Out examines the lives of people navigating financial and familial chaos. At a time where economic woes seem to impact all, she show takes a deeper look at those who may have caused their own financial demise.

Produced by Lionsgate Alternative Television for OWN, over eight episodes, viewers will follow these families as they unpack what led to their dire financial state. Guided by financial expert Leah Collins, these families will learn how to break unsustainable money habits while putting them on a path toward a more profitable future.

Collins will pull no punches while addressing the rationale behind some of these poor financial decisions. Getting to the heart of this mismanaged spending, Maxxed Out goes beyond the surface of money to help families heal for the better.

From families dealing with cycles of crushing debt to those feeling the weight of mounting medical bills, these stories shed light on widespread financial issues. Each episode also offers some hope for those struggling to stay afloat.

Maxxed Out isn’t just a show; it’s a mirror reflecting the financial pressures so many of us face and the ripple effect they have on our closest relationships,” said Drew Tappon, head of OWN Unscripted Programming and Development, in a press release. “We want viewers to feel seen and understood, while also walking away with practical tools to rewrite their financial story and reclaim their peace of mind.”

Maxxed Out premieres Jan 10 at 9 p.m. on OWN.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Family Accuses Georgia Mall Employee Of Discrimination Against Disabled Son

Keep These Black Snacks (And Seasonings) On Deck For Your Holiday Spread 

Keep These Black Snacks (And Seasonings) On Deck For Your Holiday Spread 

It’s time to create meaningful dining experiences


The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to create meaningful dining experiences that match the deliciousness of your imagination. BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 12-Day of Xmas Lists features Black-owned snack and seasoning brands which bring cultural richness together with culinary creativity to transform your table spread. These 12 selections offer consumers unique hosting enhancements through globally-inspired sauces, allergen-friendly treats and small-batch pantry staples, while supporting entrepreneurs who define modern food trends. These Black snacks should remain available beyond holiday gatherings to continue memorable taste experiences.

Essie Spice

Essie Spice is a small-batch sauce and spice blend company started by Essie Bartels, who is a Ghanaian American flavor curator. Essie Spice has operated from New Jersey since 2013 and delivers its products across the United States. Essie Spice products create perfect bold aromatic heat to enhance meats, vegetables, and sides in holiday cooking.

Zach & Zoë Sweet Bee Farm

The family-owned brand Zach & Zoë Sweet Bee Farm operates under Kam and Summer Johnson to produce raw, unfiltered honey which they infuse with natural superfoods including ginger and berries. The farm started operations in 2015 following their son’s health experience and now operates from New Jersey, while distributing its products through online channels and specific retail locations. This sweet and clean pantry essentially works perfectly for glazing, drizzling baking, and serving with holiday cheeses.

Pip’s Snacks (Pipcorn)

The sibling founders Jeff, Jen, and Teresa established Pip’s Snacks to make heirloom popcorn and crunchy snacks from basic clean ingredients. Pip’s Snacks started operations in 2012 from Brooklyn and has expanded to national distribution. Their popular party snacks make ideal companions for drinks and charcuterie platters.

Pitmaster LT’s

Texas pitmaster LeTroy Woods created Pitmaster LT to deliver authentic barbecue sauces and rubs based on family recipes. The Fort Worth-based company started operations in 2003 and delivers perfect holiday wing sauces and brisket rubs along with roasts and dipping plates that need Southern smoky flavors.

Partake Foods

Denise Woodard established Partake Foods which produces allergen-free cookies, crackers, and baking mixes. The company started operations in 2016 from New York and distributes its products across the United States. The mission of Partake Foods is to provide sweet treats for all holiday table guests, including those with allergies.

Basbaas Foods

Since 2015, Basbaas Foods has existed as the brainchild of Somali American chef and entrepreneur Hawa Hassan. The company produces Somali-inspired sauces, condiments, and marinades which deliver East African tangy flavors to food enthusiasts. Basbaas Foods’ mission focuses on enhancing dips and roasted vegetables and proteins through their distinctive flavor profile.

Hillside Sauce

Chef Robert Hill established Hillside Sauce as a small-batch hot sauce company which combines fruit with peppers and spices to produce their handmade hot sauces. Introduced in the late 2010s, Hillside Sauce is produced in the U.S. and available online. Its layered heat and depth make it a perfect addition to holiday appetizers, eggs, or any dish that needs a kick.

Capital City

Charles and Arsha Jones Jones created Capital City as a culinary gem which introduced authentic D.C.-style mumbo sauce. Since its 2011 opening this Washington, D.C.-based restaurant has become a sweet-tangy staple for wings, fries, and party platters, bringing the beloved flavors of the District of Columbia home.

The Spice Suite

Chef and curator Angel Gregorio established The Spice Suite, which offers globally inspired spice blends, oils, and culinary essentials. The Washington, D.C.-based store, which started in 2015, serves to enhance holiday home meals through its vibrant, chef-level seasoning options and variety.

Major’s Project Pop

Chauniqua Major established Major’s Project Pop, which produces vegan organic kettle corn using unrefined sugar and clean oils. The nostalgic snack debuted in 2014 and its savory and sweet flavor makes it a favorite treat for seasonal gatherings among kids and adults. Major’s Project Pop operates from Florida and delivers its products across the country.

Sienna Sauce Co.

Tyla-Simone Crayton and her family founded Sienna Sauce Co., which operates from Houston, to produce award-winning wing, dipping, and finishing sauces. Since 2017, these sauces combine sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, which suit wings, sliders, and finger foods perfectly and are great for side dippings. 

Healthy On You

The culinary creation Healthy On You, by chef Sam Brinkley, delivers organic spice blends which draw inspiration from worldwide cuisines. The California-based company started operations in 2015 to provide customers an easy method to add sophisticated holiday flavors to their roasted vegetables, proteins, and side dishes.

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Seasoning Brands To Spice Up Your Holiday Table

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