​I was on the road throughout July in the Bay Area and staying on the peninsula, south of San Francisco. I fairly quickly realized it would be a challenge to find black-owned business in this area. When I broadened my search, I discovered the bulk of black-owned businesses are in the East Bay. I was drawn to Mandela Foods, a co-op grocery in West Oakland, a neighborhood that had been a food desert before this store opened seven years ago.

The grocery is wonderful, specializing in affordable, organic fare & health-conscious prepared foods. It is bursting with fruits and vegetables, wholesome del items, and bulk foods. I stocked up on small toiletries for the remainder of my summer travels and was further delighted that within this co-op was another black-owned business, a take-out cafe. Zella's is a "soul kitchen" that makes "farm fresh food that feeds the soul."

​I ordered an amazing vegan hummus sandwich and the largest homemade Rice Krispie treat I have ever seen. The owners of the grocery and the cafe were kind and generous. I was glad this kind of business was in the neighborhood and wished that there were more businesses like this in all neighborhoods—community-focused, health-minded places that create a gathering place for neighbors. When next in the area, I will return. 
One Large participant: JH
Name of black-owned business: Mandela Foods and Zella Cafe
Location: Oakland, CA 
Race/ethnicity of participant: White