Black-Owned BBQ, Snacks & Entertaining Essentials for the 4th

July 4th weekend is the unofficial championship of the American cookout. The grill is smoking. The cooler is packed. The playlist is arguing between old school and new school. And everybody’s bringing something—a side, a drink, a dessert, an opinion about how long the ribs should stay on. It’s the gathering that defines summer, and this year, we’re making sure every element of yours supports a Black-owned business.

Because here’s the truth: Black cookout culture is American cookout culture. The techniques, the flavors, the traditions—they didn’t just influence the American BBQ canon. They built it. So when you’re shopping for the 4th, buying Black-owned isn’t a departure from tradition. It’s a return to the source.

The Grill

Zuri fielded requests for Mo' Spices & Seasonings and Judge Joe Brown BBQ Sauce tells us people are looking for Black-owned flavor beyond the basics. Mo'  Spices and Seasonings brings a line of spice blends designed for grilling, roasting, and seasoning that turn everyday proteins into something worth talking about. These aren’t novelty seasonings. They’re pantry staples with a point of view.

Judge Joe Brown and culinary genius, Chef Damon Stalworth have teamed up with Comedian, Tiffany Haddish to put the flavor back into backyard barbecuing. Their journey began with a deep passion for wholesome, unprocessed ingredients that are free from artificial additives and preservatives

The Beverage Station

No cookout is complete without a beverage station that sparks conversation. Red Bay Coffee is an actual seller on the marketplace—their Coltrane blend makes an exceptional cold brew for summer gatherings. Brew a batch the night before, serve it over ice with cream and sweetener on the side, and watch your guests forget about the store-bought lemonade.

Coffee Island Inc. brings the island vibes with the Irie Coffee ($4.99 for decaf) and the Caribbean Spice Black Tea ($12.99)—which makes a stunning iced tea when brewed strong, chilled, and served with a squeeze of lime. The ginger, cinnamon, and allspice notes hit differently when it’s 90 degrees outside. Set both options alongside the cold brew and you’ve got a self-serve beverage bar that’s entirely Black-owned.

The Ambiance

Outdoor entertaining is about the total sensory experience—not just what you eat and drink, but how the space feels. Gee’s Scentis is the top candle vendor on the marketplace with $60 in sales this quarter. Their hand-poured candles bring artisan-quality fragrance to your patio, your deck, or your backyard table. Position a few around the seating area as the sun sets and the conversation shifts from casual to meaningful.

Pair with the DK Soy French Lavender Massage Candle ($10)—which doubles as a citronella-free way to create atmosphere outdoors. The warm lavender scent mixes beautifully with the smoke from the grill, creating the kind of layered ambiance that makes people say “this is nice” without being able to pinpoint exactly why.

The Table

A well-set table elevates the whole experience. KariAndGo’s handmade bags from Ghana—while typically carried as accessories—also work beautifully as bread baskets, utensil holders, or centerpiece containers for a cookout table. The vibrant African fabrics add color and culture to your setup, and at $150 this quarter, they’re the marketplace’s top-selling vendor for a reason.

Browse the full Home & Kitchen collection for additional entertaining essentials—from serving pieces to kitchen tools—all from Black-owned sellers.

The Shopping List

Here’s your Black-owned 4th of July checklist: Red Bay Coffee Coltrane for cold brew. Coffee Island Irie for decaf option. Caribbean Spice Tea for iced tea. Chef Calvin or Kona seasonings for the grill. Gee’s Scentis candles for the table. DK Soy massage candles for evening ambiance. A KariAndGo bag for table styling. BuyBlack.org tee for what you’re wearing while you flip those ribs.

Total investment: approximately $80–120 depending on your selections. Every dollar to a Black-owned business. Every product available right now on the marketplace or through the brands directly.

The Meaning

July 4th has always been a complicated holiday for Black Americans. Independence declared while millions remained enslaved. Freedom celebrated while the full promise of that freedom remained deferred. We hold both truths simultaneously—the celebration and the reckoning—and we show up to the cookout anyway, because that’s what resilience looks like.

This year, let your cookout be a declaration of its own. A table set with Black-owned products. A grill seasoned with Black-owned spices. A beverage station stocked with Black-owned coffee and tea. Not as protest. As practice. As the everyday expression of economic power that turns a holiday into a habit.

Fire up the grill. Set the table. And make every dollar count.

— Kia