While you’re in Denver for the NBA Finals, visit these 5 Black-owned businesses
It’s the beginning of the end of an unexpected NBA season. Tonight, the NBA Finals kick off at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado with a matchup not many saw coming. The Miami Heat are visiting the Denver Nuggets to see who will conquer Game 1 in the best-of-seven series.
The Denver Nuggets have made a strong and consistent showing this season, as they were the No. 1 team in the Western Conference. Thanks to stand-out performances from Serbian-native and Nuggets’ center Nikola Jokić and guard Jamal Murray, the Nuggets were able to bring home the win to the Mile High City during the Western Conference finals, ending the road to the 2023 championship for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Miami Heat are making their first appearance in the NBA Finals since their 2020 face-off against the Lakers inside the Orlando bubble, where they came back to the Magic City empty-handed. Despite a shaky opening round of playoffs for the Heat, the resilience of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler ultimately led the team to their spot in the Finals and cemented the Heat as the second eighth-seeded team to do so.
No matter whose jersey you rep, both teams have the opportunity to fulfill their season-long story arc with an unimaginable ending. A victory for the Nuggets means their first championship win on top of their first Finals appearance. A triumph for the Erik Spoelstra-led Heat means the team would be the lowest seed to ever win the Finals, a spot that was claimed by the Houston Rockets in 1995. Regardless of who takes the top spot, the final stretch to get there is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
It’s no surprise that downtown Denver is the place to be tonight, as local bars will be filled to capacity with riled up basketball fans. If you’re in Denver to watch Game 1 and want to traverse the city – or take your mind off of your team’s loss – here are some Black-owned businesses to visit.
Genna Rae’s Wings and More
No gameday is complete without wings, and Genna Rae has plenty. Pieces sold range from 6, if you want a single serving for yourself, or 48 if you’re wanting to feed a crowd. Once you select the amount, choose a signature sauce to drench the crispy fried wings: hot, honey hot, garlic hot, honey BBQ, mango habanero, pineapple mango habanero, raspberry mango habanero, jerk sauce, Island Zing, chili mango. Genna Rae’s Wings and More also has fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings and fried okra as sides, as well as desserts, sandwiches, dinner plates and platter options.
Jeffrey B. Jewelers
If your team comes home with a championship ring, you might as well treat yourself to one, right? Head over to Jeffrey B. Jewelers to cop some celebratory bling. The full-service jewler offers custom designed jewelry and a wide range of premium gemstones that are perfect for any occasion. Helpful associates are also available to help you create the perfect piece.
TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore
Need a break from basketball talk? Engage in conversation about your favorite book while drinking a soothing cup of tea at TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore. Located in the historic Five Points neighborhood, enjoy a variety of specialty blends, eats, reads and of course, good company. If you still feel the need to decompress, venture over to the next spot on the list.
Urban Sanctuary
Stress is inevitable during the NBA Finals. Ground yourself during a yoga class at Urban Sanctuary in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Experienced instructors guide you through a variety of classes for all levels including vinyasa, sun flows, gentle moon flows, and aerial. Classes are available in-person and online.
The Black Travel Box
In your haste to get to Denver, it’s inevitable that you forgot a hair or skincare essential. No worries, though, because Black Travel Box has everything you could possibly need. From hair and body balms, to shampoo and conditioning bars, this Black woman-owned business has products to help you maintain the health and wellness of your hair and skin. If you only packed a carry-on, the brand also offers a Carry-On Starter Kit that includes their hair and skincare essentials in TSA-friendly sizes.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published June 1, 2023 at 4:40 PM.