Changing Culture

Our Story

I am an American. I have never spent time in Africa and the “Africa” taught to me in the classroom and on television always felt biased or embarrassing. As a young adult I began educating myself about Africa’s beautiful and diverse culture and true history. I soon realized that I had been missing something in my life that is beautiful and an intrinsic part of me. With the invaluable support, dedication, and collaboration of my son, Ralston Garvey, Jr., and Gloria Robinson, my dream of Uzuri Kente, LLC, African Boutique became a reality in the Spring of 2023. Located at the cross-section of the beautiful cities of St. Petersburg and Gulfport, FL, Uzuri Kente offers consumers authentic African attire and accessories to meet a wide variety of ages, sizes, genders, and occasions. My vision is to empower and encourage Black Americans to embrace the beauty of the African continent, the richness of Africa’s history and Africa’s powerful ability to move, connect, evoke thought, and inspire through its vast forms of art and design. My mission is to regularly visit Africa and build relationships with African designers, menders, and artisans. Grow the presence of Uzuri Kente in the United States and abroad. My goal is to connect Americans to high quality African fashion and products at fair prices while also increasing the opportunity for small African businesses to grow and flourish. Linda S. Garvey, Founder, CEO