Celebrate Black History and Black-Owned Businesses In The District
Celebrate Black History and Black-Owned Businesses In The District
SharpEnd
Much of The Districts Black history starts in the SharpEnd district. Although only a few blocks within The District, this area was once part of the larger Sharp End, Columbia’s cultural heart for the Black community in the era before integration. It was home to a wide variety of Black-owned businesses mixing churches with bars and social clubs, schools, barbers, restaurants and retailers. It was sadly demolished, but evidence of the past is still evident through the Second Baptist Church and the home of ragtime great, John William “Blind” Boone.
The Sharp End has some light industrial space—it’s the home of the old Columbia Daily Tribune printing press—or for District residents and workers to get an oil change or rental car. The area also contains a significant amount of empty space, primarily in the form of parking lots.
This is an important redevelopment area and mixed-use infill and beautification projects would significantly change the western edge of The District. Providence has been upgraded with the removal of the 1970’s era pedestrian bridge and the addition of crosswalks, landscaping, and the Beulah Ralph Memorial.
A west gateway—beautifying the intersection of Broadway & Fourth—is a key priority in the Gateway project. Not only will this create a more welcoming entrance into The District, a pedestrian crossing that allows people to travel from Flat Branch Park and the MKT Trail across Broadway will also strengthen the connection between the Sharp End and the rest of The District.
Find more great information on SharpEnd here, featuring Kenny Greene, The District's former Chair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRh5jk41zRU
The African American Heritage Trail
African American Heritage Trail now has over 20 plus markers around the city of Columbia. Many of which are in The District. This is a walking tour, or reach out to The District for a guided tour or follow it on the Otocast app by typing in African American Heritage Trail. https://www.columbiaredi.com/african-american-heritage-trail/
Find the map of the markers here - Map
Celebrate Black Businesses by shopping locally. Check out some of our Black-owned businesses below.
Our goal is to perform quality therapeutic massage work that helps our clients feel and move better.
Sports Performance Facility in Columbia Missouri
Brandi Harris specializes in extension of all textures and colors, wigs, & hair loss replacements. She still does natural hair and other hair care services. Brandi loves revamping old hair extensions and wigs so check out her wig drop off or hair launderette services . Quality & Great service is a MUST.
We strive to create equality and provide education about our products. We have created an atmosphere where everyone can be heard. Our friendly staff tends to every customer and provides them an easy and convenient way to shop for gifts, sneakers, hemp products and more.
Essentialz Is Your NeighborHood 1 Stop Shop... Specializing in All of Your Convenience Needs.
We believe the therapist-client relationship is an important tool for reaching outcomes. We believe that transparency, warmth, reciprocal sharing, honesty and organic relatability is a vital part of creating a safe space for healing and growth. Offering indviual therapy, child & adolesecnt therapy, relationship & family therapy, and training & consultation.
Specialty barber shop and more
Columbia Missouri’s locally owned mobile device repair shop that you can rely on every time to get ANY broken iPhone, cell phone, tablet, MacBook, or laptop back to new with SAME DAY service on most repairs.
Eclipse Catering and Events was born of the idea that everyone deserves a caterer that cares about your event. Book a caterer that believes in affordable prices with flavors you know and love.
At Krustaceans Seafood, you can find a variety of cuisine such as Krab Cluster, Sweet Tea, Red Velvet Waffle, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and Sausage. We are conveniently located North 9th Street. Order online for carryout or delivery!
Join us at The Gold Bar Restaurant for good dining and drinks with some live entertainment.
Any wedding ring, interesting necklace, or stunning pearl piece I see on someone and ask where it came from it's from Kenny Greene.
K'Bella Dior Beauty & Aesthetics Spa By Kandis Hardin Licensed Esthetician | Skincare Specialist
At Smith & Parnell LLC, we recognize the prevalence of injustices our clients are up against in the legal system. Rather than simply letting the law happen to them, we take an active role, helping them address their needs while creating situations that work in their favor.
We are a custom apparel print shop featuring our own custom designs as well as printing your ideas on t-shirts and other garments.
PlayCollegeGolf.net gives each golfer an active role in their own recruiting process by providing them with tools, professional advice, and information to help them choose the school that’s right for them and put their best foot forward throughout the recruiting process.
Bush's Catering is a small local business providing catering for events and meal prep each week.
Extended By Brandi is a salon setting just for you in a one-on-one private setting session with your specialist.
Sunitha Lea, LLC, where she helps small businesses and non-profit organizations elevate their marketing efforts through business consulting and strategic planning.
Selfie Love’s 2500 sq ft selfie studio is an immersive entertainment destination located at 804 Locust St., in the heart of downtown Columbia, Missouri. Our studio boasts 11 interactive, jaw dropping selfie sets for guest photos, an all white party room, and will be available for rent for photography sessions, greek events, on-site video production, content creation, corporate team building, school field trips, private events, and more.
We provide Business Management & Supplier Diversity Consulting (BMSDC) services to both public and private sector businesses. We address Minority Business Development (MBD)initiatives by targeting corporations and government agencies with Supplier Diversity Programs (SDP).
Through the power of stories and connections, the COMO 411 utilizes digital mediums to showcase the community of Columbia. We're a place that values all aspects of our diverse and vibrant city.
Victory Finances LLC, based in Columbia, MO, virtually serves clientele nationwide. We specialize in financial cleanup and also provide other accounting, bookkeeping, consulting, outsourcing, payroll, and business services.
The Districts - Minority Owned Business Grant
The Downtown Community Improvement District has created a fund to assist entrepreneurs of marginalized identities with their marketing expenses. Applicants must be businesses starting or relocating a business to The District within six months of October 1, 2022. The aim of the funding is to increase the viability, visibility, and growth of each awardee’s business. Grants of up to $5000 will be awarded.
In 2021 our Board of Directors voted to create the Minority-Owned Business Grant. There is a considerable imbalance of diverse business owners in our downtown. This is a direct result of Black-owned businesses being pushed out of the Sharp End in the 1960s during urban renewal. While this grant will not fix the problem, our goal is that this small first step will help bring us closer to parity.
To find out more about this grant and the businesses awarded these funds, check it out here.