Supporting Black Owned Business

Malik Books located 3650 W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd ste 245, Los Angeles, CA 90008

Hey Tuss,

Day 3 of my journey was just as fulfilling as the first two days. In fact, the entire trip was great. I enjoyed meeting yet another side of me. There were a few things I wanted to do on this journey. I wanted to buy new books, support black owned businesses and promote my book in the process. I was able to do all three on this journey.

A few days before I began my journey, I was watching a clip of the Ellen Show. Twitch was recognizing a nice couple who owned a book store. He told their story and talked about their work in the community. The bookstore is called “Malik Books”. I believe there are two locations in the Los Angeles area. After watching the clip, I decided I would visit the bookstore, if ever I was in California.

Fast forward a week later, I’m in Cali and “DJ Yella” (one of the members of “NWA”) is having a book signing. The title is “Straight Outta Compton, My Untold Story.” So, I went to the book signing at “Malik Books” located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Which by the way, is also black owned. I met Antoine “DJ Yella” Carraby, I got a t-shirt and my book signed. He was also kind enough to sign a poster and give it to me. That was pretty cool. Also, I met with Malik and his wife. I told them how I had saw their story on Ellen Show with Twitch and the conversation went on from their. Super awesome people.

Hopefully and God willing, you will be able to pick up a copy of “T.U.S.S. Things United Sisters Share” at Malik Books located in Los Angeles, CA. Until then, you can always order a copy here. Just click on “Shop” at the top of the page.

I had a long drive ahead of me so I got “Straight Outta Compton”…. lol

Shades of Afrika, 1001 E 4th St. Long Beach, CA 90802

Shades of Afrika is a Black Owned store in Long Beach, CA. If “Snoop Dogg” just came to your mind then you got it right. No, I didn’t see him or anything… I’m just saying, thinking about what we hear and see in the movies about “Long Beach,” took me to a different frame of mind. I thought maybe I would see some Crip walking or some Ese’s…. well I did see quite a few of the later but I’m just kidding! Turns out though, Long Beach is kind of cool!

I was surprised to see so much good stuff in Shades of Afrika. You could smell the essential oils and fragrances mixed in the air as soon as you walked inside. They had a lot of natural products which I just loved. Of course they had books and I bought a few. They had Kente cloths and dashikis, and a variety of African paintings as well as African artifacts. It was too much to choose from.

There was a beautiful cultural painting on the wall for sale. I wanted to purchase it but it was to large to take with me. I asked the young man at the register if they would ship it for me and he said “we don’t ship out of town.” So, I asked “What if I paid for the shipping?” His answer was still “No”. I then asked if the owner was around. I thought maybe the owner would want to sale the painting. I mean, it’s for sale and it wasn’t cheap, if I might add. But guess what his answer was… “No, the owner is not here.” I took that moment as, the painting was not for me.

I’m on the road again!

JadaBug's Kids Boutique 78377 HWY 111 La Quinta, CA 92253 (760) 307-4337 https://www.jadabugslaquinta.com/ 

I cruised down to Palm Springs to check out “JadaBug’s Kids Boutique.” I wanted to pick up a few souvenir items for my grand babies, and visit with a friend I had not seen in a long time. It was so great to see a familiar face and play catch-up. We had a warm conversation. We laughed and talked about our paths to the present. It’s always nice to reminisce with good friends.

Jadabug’s is located in the Palm Springs Desert area. It’s the cutest boutique you ever want to see. Everything you need for your child; books, toys, clothing, trinkets, you name it, it’s there. The owner Heidi, was pleasant and welcoming. I watched how attentive she was to each of her customers as they entered her establishment. When I entered the store my plan was to shop for all the grand kids. I could not return home without something in my hand for them. I wasn’t expecting what happened next. Let me share something with you. This journey, had me walking through every door that opened for me and I walked right pass the doors that were closed. I went to Jadabug’s boutique to show my support for her business, but when I got home… I looked at my receipt and realized she gave “me” a discount on my purchase. But the best part is, my book “T.U.S.S. Things United Sisters Share” is on the shelves for sale at Jadabug’s. Yayyy! Heidi if you are reading this, thank you. I appreciate your support!

Tuss, I’m so excited. This trip was definitely worth it.

Pick up your copy of “T.U.S.S.” Things United Sisters Share at JadaBug’s!

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Don’t forget to catch day 4 of my journey.

Hey Tuss, what’s your Story?

Your comments are “Valid, Respected and Valuable”. Your opinion is welcome in the comment space below and I am looking forward to our conversations.