Black history month is here, and while we at Sales UpRising love to celebrate black-owned businesses all year, we wanted to take a deep dive into the history of black owned businesses in the Washington D.C. area (where Sales UpRising was born and continues to operate today).
It’s no secret, black-owned businesses have brought so much life to Washington D.C. Without them, the D.C. area wouldn’t be as incredible as it is today. From businesses that provide necessary services for everyday life to those that just bring us much-needed smiles, there are numerous black-owned businesses that overcame great odds to help shape today’s diverse D.C.
The history of black-owned businesses dates back to the earliest moments of
freedom for the African-American community. Back in 1817, a group of free black men created the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. This insurance company served African-American homeowners in a time when most insurance companies would not, which made a huge difference in the lives of so many.
It didn’t take long for African Americans to begin building and creating lasting legacies of their own in the D.C. area despite the hoops many had to jump through in order to fund and legally operate their small businesses. Between the 1920s and 1940s, U Street Corridor, also known as Black Broadway, began to thrive with musical venues, restaurants, shops, and homes. In fact, many iconic musicians were known to live and frequently perform in the area. Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole, are just a couple of the world-renowned musicians that called the area home.
As D.C. expanded and the civil rights movement grew, D.C. business owners became a major part in the positive change in their communities. Entrepreneur T. C. Williams, who owned a restaurant and service station, used his businesses to not only support the African American community, but also provide a safe meeting space for activists fighting against the segregated school system.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck the African American community following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Emotions ran high and a peaceful protest quickly morphed into a riot. The military was sent to neutralize the situation which brought even more damage to the area and the people that called it home. Only three black owned businesses were left standing when the rubble finally settled.
These three businesses are still standing today and utilized their strength to make it through COVID, which also hit the African American entrepreneurial community hard. These establishments include Ben’s Chili Bowl, Lee’s Flower and Card Shop, and Industrial Bank. Industrial Bank has a long history of overcoming the odds as it survived the great recession and became the last black-owned bank in the Greater Washington D.C. area. It now has 10 flourishing locations.
This year, don’t let Black History month pass you by without celebrating black owned businesses. There are so many amazing locations to explore and support which helps Washington D.C. maintain its rich and diverse history. This is imperative in today’s changing world, so we hope you take the time to see the amazing things that black small business owners bring to the table in the District of Columbia.
What’s your favorite black owned business in Washington D.C.? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
