Building Black Prosperity in DC: Then, Now, and Next
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Washington, DC has long been a center of Black entrepreneurship, innovation, and community leadership — from the business corridors of Black Broadway to today's generation of restaurateurs, booksellers, wellness advocates, and creative entrepreneurs.
As WHUT celebrates Black Business Month this August, we're reflecting on the past, present, and future of Black entrepreneurship in the nation's capital.
THEN: Building Black Economic Power
Black entrepreneurship in DC dates back to the years following emancipation, when Black residents built businesses, banks, newspapers, and community institutions despite steep barriers. By the early 20th century, the U Street Corridor — "Black Broadway" — had become one of the most influential Black business districts in America. In 1925, Industrial Bank was founded, becoming one of the nation's oldest Black-owned financial institutions. Communities like Black Georgetown also shaped the city's economic landscape long before Georgetown became the destination it is today.
NOW: Today's Entrepreneurs Are Building on a Powerful Legacy
That spirit is alive across the DMV today, in businesses like:
Mahogany Books
Ben's Chili Bowl — nearly seven decades as a DC landmark and symbol of resilience (benschilibowl.com)
Mahogany Books — an independent bookstore celebrating Black voices, founded by Derrick and Ramunda Young (mahoganybooks.com)
The Spice Suite — Angel Gregorio's community-centered spice business (thespicesuite.com)
Grounded — Shanae Jones's wellness-focused coffee and lifestyle brand (staygrounded.co)
The Museum DC — Kiyana Hayer's culture, retail, and experience venture (themuseumdc.com)
Made in DC — a platform spotlighting local makers and small businesses (madeindc.co)
Anacostia Organics — wellness and community investment east of the river (anacostiaorganics.com)
Lee's Flower Shop — one of DC's oldest Black-owned businesses, generations strong (leesflowershopdc.com)
Together, they show the range of Black entrepreneurship in DC today — preserving history, fostering innovation, and creating opportunity.
NEXT: Investing in the Future of Black Business
The next chapter is being shaped by creators, technologists, and educators using digital commerce, social media, and creative industries to build wealth and serve both local and global audiences. Community organizations, schools, and public media continue to amplify these stories and connect entrepreneurs to resources. Supporting Black-owned businesses isn't just a purchase — it strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and invests in the next generation of founders.
How WHUT Is Celebrating Black Business Month
Sunday Special: Black Business Month — Sun, Aug 2 at 11:00 AM
Legacy Series: Black Georgetown — Mon, Aug 17 at 6:00 AM
Black Business Month Morning Features — Beginning Aug 17
Neighborhood Favorites: Anacostia Organics — Wed, Aug 19 at 10:30 PM
Community Spaces, Community Conversations
Black entrepreneurship in DC has never just been about commerce — it's been about the spaces that hold community together. Lee's Barber Shop is a perfect example: a Southeast DC institution for nearly 40 years, and now the home of The Shape Up: The Barbershop Talks Series, a monthly gathering centering real conversation among Black men, with the whole community welcome. It's a reminder that the same businesses spotlighted here — barbershops, bookstores, flower shops — have always doubled as gathering places where trust, culture, and healing take root alongside commerce.
Join the next conversation on Saturday, August 8 at 11:00 AM at Lee's Barber Shop, 4409 Bowen Road SE. Learn more and RSVP.
Have an event to share? WHUT maintains a community calendar open to local events and programming. Submit yours for consideration here — approval is at WHUT's discretion.
Watch Black Business Month programming throughout August on WHUT.
Support Black-owned businesses across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Watch live on WHUT or stream at whut.org.