The story of sustainability is deeply intertwined with the fight against racism and colonialism. BIPOC entrepreneurs, especially Black innovators, have historically connected their struggles for freedom and equality to broader social battles, including women’s empowerment and environmental justice. One powerful example is Madam C.J. Walker, who revolutionized the hair care industry for Black women while creating economic opportunities and spaces for personal freedom.
Sustainability and racism through history
In this article, we explore sustainability in Black history through the lens of five sustainable Black-owned brands, spanning from the 1950s to modern times. These trailblazing businesses carried sustainable values in their unique ways, blending environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.

1950s | Focus on farming practices and community
In the 1950s, sustainability often centered on agricultural practices. Booker T. Whatley, working primarily in Alabama, developed innovative farming principles, including his concept of "pick-your-own farms" and small-scale regenerative farming. His work highlighted how local, community-driven agriculture could foster both economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
1. Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” founded Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. The restaurant became a hub for cultural preservation and social change during the Civil Rights Movement.
Founder: Leah Chase
Industry: Hospitality and Food Services
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:
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Locally sourced ingredients: Dooky Chase’s emphasized supporting local farmers and vendors, promoting community sustainability.
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Cultural preservation: By celebrating Creole cuisine, the restaurant upheld food heritage and traditions vital to the African American community.
Fun fact: Dooky Chase’s was a meeting place for Civil Rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., symbolizing the intersection of food, culture, and activism. Leah Chase’s commitment to sustainable, community-focused practices continues to inspire hospitality businesses today.

1960s & 1970s | Creativity and cultural representation
African decolonization movements
Across Africa, the 1960s saw a wave of decolonization, as nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya gained independence from European colonial powers. These movements emphasized economic self-reliance and cultural preservation, inspiring Black communities globally to reclaim identity and advocate for social and environmental justice.
This groundbreaking legislation, enacted in the United States, outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It provided a legal framework for combating systemic racism and opened doors for Black individuals in various industries, including fashion and entrepreneurship. This groundbreaking legislation, enacted in the United States, outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It provided a legal framework for combating systemic racism and opened doors for Black individuals in various industries, including fashion and entrepreneurship. This groundbreaking legislation, enacted in the United States, outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It provided a legal framework for combating systemic racism and opened doors for Black individuals in various industries, including fashion and entrepreneurship.
2. Stephen Burrows
The 1960s and 1970s saw a cultural revolution, with sustainability manifesting in creative industries like fashion. Designers like Stephen Burrows redefined the concept of sustainability through innovation, upcycling, and individuality. Burrows was one of the first Black designers to achieve international acclaim. His designs celebrated individuality and cultural expression, paving the way for a more inclusive fashion industry.
Founder: Stephen Burrows
Industry: Fashion (High Fashion and Ready-to-wear)
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:
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Upcycling: Burrows creatively repurposed leftover or unconventional fabrics, reducing waste.
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Timeless designs: His vibrant, durable garments promoted longevity over disposable trends.
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Craftsmanship: Burrows emphasized intricate hand-finishing techniques, slowing down the production process.
Fun fact: In 1973, Burrows was the only Black designer invited to the historic "Battle of Versailles" fashion show, which showcased American talent and challenged the dominance of European couture. His work exemplifies how creativity can align with sustainability.

1980s & 1990s | Natural beauty and cultural pride
Afro-Brazilian movements for land rights.
In Brazil, Afro-Brazilian communities fought for land rights and environmental justice in the 1980s, advocating for sustainable use of natural resources and the preservation of quilombos (Afro-Brazilian settlements). These efforts connected racial justice with environmental stewardship, setting an example for global sustainability initiatives.
Sparked by the acquittal of police officers caught on tape beating Rodney King in Los Angeles, California, these protests highlighted systemic racism and police brutality. The events emphasized the need for economic empowerment and representation within Black communities.
3. Carol’s Daughter
The 1980s and 1990s marked a shift toward natural ingredients and holistic well-being in the beauty industry. Lisa Price’s Carol’s Daughter led this movement, combining sustainability with cultural empowerment. Price founded Carol’s Daughter in her Brooklyn kitchen, creating natural hair and skincare products tailored for Black consumers.
Founder: Lisa Price
Industry: Beauty and personal care
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:
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Natural ingredients: The brand avoided harsh chemicals, using plant-based, eco-friendly materials.
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Community empowerment: Products celebrated Black hair textures, fostering self-love and cultural pride.
Fun fact: Carol’s Daughter emerged during a time when few mainstream brands catered to Black consumers. By blending environmental and social sustainability, Lisa set a precedent for inclusive beauty products. The brand’s success also highlighted the economic power of BIPOC brands in shaping consumer markets.

2000s | Ethical luxury and cultural preservation
In South Africa, the Soweto Uprising was a student-led protest against the apartheid government’s policies. This pivotal moment highlighted the global fight against systemic racism and energized anti-apartheid movements worldwide. It also underscored the need for education and empowerment in sustainable community development.
Black Lives Matter Movement (2013)
Founded in the United States after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin, this global movement brought attention to systemic racism and violence against Black individuals. It has since inspired a renewed focus on equity and inclusion across industries, including fashion.
4. Brother Vellies
In the 2000s, sustainability took on new dimensions, with an emphasis on ethical production and cultural preservation. Aurora James’ Brother Vellies exemplifies this evolution, blending luxury fashion with sustainability and fair trade practices. Vellies creates handcrafted shoes, handbags, and accessories that prioritize sustainability and cultural preservation.
Founder: Aurora James
Industry: Fashion and accessories
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:
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Ethical craftsmanship: The brand collaborates with artisans in Africa, Asia, and other regions, preserving traditional techniques.
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Sustainable materials: Uses eco-conscious materials like vegetable-tanned leather, recycled tires, and organic cotton.
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Fair Trade practices: Ensures fair wages and ethical working conditions for artisans.
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Waste reduction: Incorporates upcycled materials to minimize environmental impact.
Fun fact: Aurora James’s advocacy extends beyond fashion. In 2020, she launched the 15 Percent Pledge, urging retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands. Brother Vellies demonstrates how luxury fashion can champion sustainability, equity, and cultural heritage.

5. Lemlem
Lemlem is an artisan-driven brand of women’s resort wear made entirely and responsibly in Africa. Founded by supermodel Liya Kebede in 2007, the brand’s mission is to preserve the traditional art of Ethiopian weaving while inspiring economic growth across the continent.
Founder: Liya Kebede
Industry: Fashion (Women’s resort wear)
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:
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Artisan craftsmanship: Lemlem’s core resort wear collection is handwoven in Ethiopia using traditional weaving techniques, resulting in soft, breezy cotton fabrics.
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Economic empowerment: The brand creates jobs for local artisans, breaking cycles of poverty and fostering growth in African communities.
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Slow fashion: Lemlem takes a holistic approach to production, valuing sustainability, fair wages, and community well-being.
Fun fact: Lemlem’s handwoven pieces are so intricately crafted that a single garment can take up to three days to complete.

6. Buki Akomolafe
Buki Akomolafe is a Berlin-based clothing label founded in 2016. Drawing on her German-Nigerian heritage, Akomolafe blends traditional craftsmanship from West Africa with European tailoring to create contemporary high-end women’s clothing. The brand is known for its precise tailoring, eco-conscious materials, and androgynous designs.
Founder: Buki Akomolafe
Industry: Fashion (Women’s clothing)
SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES:
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Eco-friendly materials: Uses certified organic cotton, hemp-silk, and unique African wax prints.
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Handcrafted production: Collections are fully handcrafted in her Berlin studio and a small local manufacturer.
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Quilted designs: Specializes in reversible quilt pieces that are limited-edition, showcasing creativity and slow fashion values.
Fun fact: Buki Akomolafe’s childhood experiences in Nigeria, alongside her father who managed an agricultural project, inspired her commitment to resource consciousness and sustainability in fashion.

Honoring the legacy of sustainability and resilience
From locally sourced Creole cuisine to ethical luxury fashion, Black-owned brands have been at the forefront of sustainability throughout history. These businesses—Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, Stephen Burrows, Carol’s Daughter, and Brother Vellies—represent a legacy of resilience, innovation, and community empowerment. Their stories remind us that sustainability is not just about environmental impact but also about preserving culture, promoting equity, and uplifting communities.