I can recall back in my twenties when I started shopping for my apartment and the likelihood of finding a store that had anything I could culturally connect with was slim to none. Even finding a Black owned home décor store wasn’t an option back then. My best bet was to find street vendors in Brooklyn or Harlem that sold cultural pieces, but even that was a challenge. Thankfully, today, that’s no longer an issue. Enter peace & RIOT. Whether you’re looking for home décor, gift items, furniture or interior design, they have what you need and yes, the store is Black owned and so are a number of the companies that supply the store.
Store owner and Brooklyn native Achuziam Maha-Sanchez and her husband Lionel Sanchez created peace & RIOT and have gifted us with a place full of options. Whether you’re searching for cool board or card games for the family, candles, coasters, books, bags, pillows and the list goes on…chances are, you will find it there. This is another Black owned business that is committed to quality customer service. They do an amazing job making you feel like a valued customer. One of the other unique aspects of this store, is the partnership they established with another local retail business Planet Brooklyn Academy, which you can access by entering peace & RIOT.
Don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself. If you’re in New York, then don’t delay. If not, you can visit their website to purchase items and have them shipped to your doorstep. Buying Black owned is not a trend, it’s a way of life.
Peace & RIOT is located at 401-403 Tompkins Ave. between Jefferson Ave. and Hancock St. in Bedstuy. Call them at (347) 663-6100 or visit their website www.peaceandriot.com and sign up to their mailing list.
