In recognition of Juneteenth, which is now a city holiday, the City of Chattanooga Office of Multicultural Affairs will present “Chattanooga Recreates Black Wall Street,” a monthlong celebration of Black-owned businesses.
“Black Wall Street” is the historical reference to the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a prosperous African American community until mobs of white residents attacked Black residents and businesses in 1921.
Throughout the month, the OMA will highlight the presence and contributions of Black business to the local, national and global economy by featuring notable Black businesses from the past through today, as well as encourage patronage of these businesses.
A featured event will take place Saturday, June 19, at Miller Plaza Waterhouse Pavilion from noon-5 p.m. The occasion will include a display of historic photos from the original Black Wall Street, as well as photos of Chattanooga’s early Black businesses and Black businesses from throughout the region.
At the event, the OMA will screen the PBS documentary, “Boss: The Black Business Experience.”
Attendees will be able to learn how to access the city’s Black-owned business directory and learn how to register their enterprise with the city as a vendor or as a certified minority, women-owned business.
Local food vendor BBQ Rowe will be on-site, and free parking will be available at City Hall parking lot B, located at E. 10th Street between Lindsay and Houston Streets. The event is free and open to the public.
In collaboration with the Downtown Chattanooga Alliance, the celebration will include the display of flags along Market Street and in front of downtown Black-owned businesses.
A limited supply of commemorative hats and t-shirts will also be available as giveaways.
Other partners in the effort include the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, WTCI, River City Company, Chattanooga Business Elite and City of Chattanooga Open Spaces.
Source: City of Chattanooga