As we look for ways to help the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community in light of the recent hate crimes and violent attacks against Asian Americans, it’s a reminder that our anti-racism work continues.
One way to be an ally to the AAPI community to donate directly to the Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago. You can also support these Asian American-owned businesses in the Chicago area.
Food/Drink
Coffee Lab
- Address: 910 Noyes Street, Evanston
Just a five-minute walk from Northwestern’s campus in Evanston, Coffee Lab is famous for their pour-over style coffee and homemade Filipino buns.
Jennivee’s Bakery
- Address: 3301 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
Jennivee’s Bakery was founded by Jenni Vee, a passionate home baker who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States. Her Lakeview shop showcases traditional American and Filipino cakes and pastries.
Marz Community Brewing Company
- Address: 3630 S. Iron St., Chicago
This Bridgeport staple, housed in a hip warehouse setting, is known for its small-batch local beers and 12-game pinball room.
Milky Milky Ice Cream
- Pops up in various locations across Chicagoland
Their slogan, “Ice cream makes everything better” couldn’t be truer. Follow this pop-up shop on Instagram to see when you can get your hands on its small batch, handcrafted ice cream.
Cosmetics
Choc Choc Cosmetics
- Address: 3127 N. Broadway St., Chicago
Choc Choc means “well moisturized skin” in Korean, so it’s no surprise this Lakeview store sells the best of the best in Korean beauty products, consisting of moisturizer, masks, serum and more.
Distinct Bath and Body
- Address: 4046 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Distinct Bath and Body specializes in handcrafted soaps, body butters and bath bombs. Their cold pressed soaps are made by their in-store studio using natural and locally sourced, plant-based ingredients and oils.
Apparel
Chicago For Keeps
- Shop online at chicagoforkeeps.com.
Chicago For Keeps is an online boutique that sells hand embroidered items ranging from shirts and beanies to totes and pouches. At least half of profits from go to an array of non-profit organizations focused on benefiting the youth and adults in minority communities.
My E Three
- Shop online at myethree.com.
My E Three, which stands for “empowerment, encouragement and enlightenment” sells active wear products for women and men in pop-up spaces. Since the pandemic hit, co-founders Michelle and Andy Rivera have donated 1,000 masks to underprivileged populations and health care workers in the Philippines.
Fun for Kids
Building Blocks Toy Store
- Address: 3306 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (Lakeview); 2071 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago (Lincoln Park); 2130 W. Division St., Chicago (Wicker Park)
With three city location in Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, Building Blocks is a child’s paradise, chock full of puzzles, building toys, arts & crafts, science kits, and more. When the pandemic hit, owner Katherine Nguyen began taking orders via text (even sending photos of what she had in stock) and delivering orders personally.
Little Linguists Arts Academy
- Online classes available
A one-stop source for all specials programs, Little Linguists teaches foreign languages (Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, Hindi, Arabic), music, arts and physical education to kids as young as infants to teens. Throughout the pandemic, Little Linguists has transitioned to online classes.
Little Miss Ann
Ann Torralba, aka Little Miss Ann, is an award-winning Chicago kids’ musician, a former Chicago Public School teacher, an instructor at Chicago’s iconic Old Town School of Folk Music, a mom and a first-generation Filipina American. She is currently available for virtual shows.
Chinatown Square
- Address: 2133 S. China Place, Chicago
Chicago’s Chinatown has especially been struggling during the pandemic. Our Chinatown family guide is filled with places to see with your family including Chinatown Square. The two-level shopping options features a variety of restaurants and shops to support.
Little Ripper Skateboarding
- Address: 5394 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (By appointment only)
Chicago dad, Enrico Hufana, started Little Ripper Skateboarding to help kid ages 3-14 learn about basic skateboarding skills. Currently, the organization has opened a pop-up space in Jefferson Park to offer indoor lessons.
Gifts
Bean and Boosh
- Address: 47 W. Polk St., Chicago
Bean and Boosh is an event design company that specializes in bringing the wow factor to personal celebrations. During the pandemic, the company transitioned to larger-than-life balloon installations.
Qideas Plants and Gifts
- Address: 1134 W. Argyle St., Chicago
Located in Uptown, Qideas carries tropical fruit and jasmine plants, bonsai trees, lucky bamboo, succulents, and other types of indoor and outdoor plants.
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