After social and civil unrest swept across the nation to the point of resonance overseas following the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black citizens, the Black Lives Matter movement and fight for racial equality has felt a magnitude of resurgence unseen prior. While people continue to attend protests, make demands, and pursue other forms of activism, the emphasis on re-examining and redirecting lifestyle and financial choices as they relate to bolstering the Black community has grown ever significant.
As consumers turn towards Black-owned restaurants, brands, and businesses, Dancing Astronaut has chosen to focus the spotlight on music-related spaces by curating a list of Black-owned record shops that you can support. The way you utilize your purchasing power can be impactful, ultimately serving as a stepping stone to creating transformative habits. For audiophiles and vinyl collectors, Dancing Astronaut encourage you to make a conscious effort to shop at these stores, online or locally through curbside pick-up, or even purchase a gift card for a loved one or fellow music fan. You can also check out how to support Black artists and DJs through streaming here.
1. Fivespace Shop – San Diego, CA
2. Moods Music – Atlanta, GA
Donate to the GoFundMe here
3. Haley & Lewis – Brooklyn, NY
4. Brittany’s Record Shop – Cleveland, OH
5. Moodies Records – Bronx, NY
6. Re-Runz Records – Orlando, FL
7. Freshtopia – Norfolk, VA
8. Jampac Records – Monroe, NC
9. HR Records – Washington D.C.
10. JB’s Record Lounge – Atlanta, GA
Make no mistake—dance music is born from black culture. Without black creators, innovators, selectors, and communities, the electronic dance music we hold so dear would simply not exist. In short, dance music is deeply indebted to the global black community and we need to be doing more. Black artists and artists of color have played a profound role in shaping the sound and culture of dance music and now more than ever, it is necessary for everyone in the music community to stand up for the people that have given us so much. Dancing Astronaut pledges to make every effort to be a better ally, a stronger resource, and a more accountable member of the global dance music community. Black Lives Matter—get involved here:
National Lawyers Guild Mass Defense Program
Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Legal Defense Initiative
Committee to Protect Journalists
Featured image: Fivespace Facebook
