Afro Cuban Businesses in Havana You Should Know About
With global black self-determination a component of #Blacklivesmatter, and the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, consider traveling to Cuba. While there are still restrictions for entering Cuba, the Global Exchange Reality Tours has been organizing travel to Cuba from the U.S. for over 28 years. Through GERT, you can experience the African diaspora from a Caribbean perspective, and here are a few places to visit.
Founded in 2014,Salchipizza is owned by Alberto Gonzalez, the first Cuban chef to ever win a Michelin star. His food is known to put you through a taste-based emotional journey where he recreates Afro-Cuban recipes with traditional methods. Find it on Calle Infanta #562 between Valle and Zapata, Centro Habana.
Lo Llevamos Rizo
Lo Llevamos Rizo was started in 2015 by Susana Pilar as a space to provide events and resources to celebrate and care for natural afro hair. After a successful workshop in 2019, Lo Llevamos Rizo continues to host virtual workshops on taking care of natural hair.
There ongoing project is We Take It Curl, which aim is to is "to delve into the canons of Afro beauty that today is manifested in Cuban popular culture."
Hilda Zulueta began Zulu bags in 1992. She began crafting and weaving hand-made leather bags from repurposing scraps of leather into unique designs. Over the years, she has perfected her skills and eventually opened up a store.
You can visit her store that she runs with her family in Old Havana to see their entire collection of leather bags, handbags, backpacks and duffel bags.
Visit Zulu at Aguacate 456, between Teniente Rey and Muralla.
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