Netherlands

Amsterdam

Black-Owned

History

Guillaume Schmidt

, the co-founder of pioneering Amsterdam streetwear label 

, comes through with a selection of Black-owned businesses to check out in the Dutch capital.

Since its inception in 2004, Patta has become an entity that's evolved beyond a brand – expanding into the Patta Academy, Patta Soundsystem, Patta Running Team and the Patta Foundation.

Founder ‘Gee’ spotlights which Black-owned businesses you should make the trip to. Scroll down for his guide to the Dutch city.

A really beautiful shop owned by a beautiful brown lady. They have a really rare and diverse selection of dolls in all shapes, forms and colours. Unique and super nice. Colourful Goodies is situated in the north of Amsterdam.

I wouldn’t say it’s a business per say, but at the same time you can spend money there. It's important that Black Archives is here, it gets supported and that people can see it. It's Black history in [the] Netherlands. The shape and form that it takes in this country, and all the different parallels and historic touch points about the disgusting tradition of Zwarte Piet – it goes on and on. They are very active and do a lot of stuff, and there's always something to see over there. So that's definitely a recommendation.

It's like an alternative canal ride that shows you the history of Amsterdam through a different lens and a different perspective. Mainly the slave trade, so to speak. How did this beautiful city get so rich?

Super dope little bar in the west side of Amsterdam. A lot of fun people and always good vibes. I want to give an honourable mention to Pamela, who's actually around the corner. One of the owners, Lola, is a beautiful spirit. It's multiple owners but it's such a nice place and the best queer place in the city. If you're open-minded and you're a good person, you're cool, it's definitely worth a visit.

Lola Edobor is an Amsterdam-born restaurateur with Dutch and Nigerian roots. She is the owner of Pamela, a queer and BIPOC safe space in the city centre with plenty of high-quality drinks, music and food to satisfy your needs.

This unique store offers an extensive range of diverse and inclusive books. Books that function as mirrors so that children can recognise themselves, and windows so that they get a glimpse into the world of the other.

In the west side as well. Owned by the beautiful Shirley, that's our own spot – that's our local. Get a drink there – it’s good vibes – and just chill. Get yourself familiar with the Surinamese kitchen.

Another little jam you can't miss. Get yourself a nice little goat curry, get your reggae tunes and vibe the hell out.

Can't forget my cousin's beautiful place. Black haircare to the fullest. My cousin is a special person – good energy and good vibes – so check it out if you need to get your hair done. It’s a big recommendation.

Black Heritage Tours

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