I Do See Color

I Do See Color

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I Do See Color
I Do See Color
For the ‘Love’ of Chicago: Black restaurateur feeds homeless, embraces social justice

For the ‘Love’ of Chicago: Black restaurateur feeds homeless, embraces social justice

IDSC "Window Shopping" October Exclusive: Healthy food + soul food = Soulful, health food

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Shamontiel L. Vaughn
Oct 11, 2022
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I Do See Color
I Do See Color
For the ‘Love’ of Chicago: Black restaurateur feeds homeless, embraces social justice
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Photo credit: The Creative Exchange/Unsplash

Vegetarians and vegans are used to walking into “socially conscious” restaurants decorated with motivational quotes. These eateries are usually full of reading material that focuses on environmentalism, healthy eating, animal rights, and — in this increasingly politically charged world — voting.


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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I know some consumers are choosing to boycott Amazon for its DEI removal. However, after thinking about this thoroughly, I want to continue promoting cool products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and (specifically) Black-owned businesses who still feature their items on Amazon. As of the first date of Black History Month 2025, each new post will ALWAYS include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a Black-owned business. (I have visited the seller’s official site to verify that Amazon Black-owned logo.) I am (slowly) doing this with older, popular posts too. If you still choose to boycott, I 100% respect that decision.
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But strolling through the front door of Chicago restaurateur Quentin Love’s Turkey Chop has a little extra flavor. In addition to framed interviews with major newspapers, artwork and words of wisdom, one wall in particular confirms this isn’t your average restaurant.

Love is fully aware of why he opened this restaurant in the area that he did.


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There’s a painting of Willie Lynch housing projects; Harriet Tubman; handcuffed arms holding the shape of the United States of America in red, white and blue; a green outline of Africa; a man hanging from a tree; an open book of the Emancipation Proclamation; a puff of black smoke coming out of a pipe placed next to a can and a bottle; and brown faces behind a prison cell.

Recommended Read: Should companies advertise themselves as black-owned? ~ Why race should not ‘matter’ … and why it does to me anyway

The food menu says “socially conscious” in big letters, and it’s clear that this restaurant stands by its words.

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