Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company

1910

The company was a beauty and haircare business that gained significant success during the early 20th century. Walker was a pioneer in the beauty industry, creating haircare products for Black women with the Wonderful Hair Grower, a coconut-oil-and-sulfur formula to treat Black women's scalps and hair.

CURLS

2002

Disenchanted with the lack of natural hair products with quality ingredients and dependability, Mahisha sought to create a new haircare brand that resonates with women like her.

the Stradford Hotel

1918

J.B. Stradford's most notable business venture was the Stradford Hotel, a luxury hotel in the Greenwood District of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street. The Stradford Hotel became a symbol of the prosperity and sophistication of Tulsa's African American community. The Hotel served as a community hub, hosting social events, business meetings, and providing accommodation for African American travelers during a time of segregation.

SALAMANDER RESORT AND SPA

2013

Sheila C. Johnson launched the Salamander Resort and Spa in August 2013. The resort is located in Middleburg, Virginia, and has become known for its luxurious amenities, picturesque setting, and commitment to providing guests with a high-end hospitality experience.

Sarah E. Goode Patented Folding Cabinet Bed

1885

Sarah Goode was a trailblazer who was born in to slavery. After the Civil War, she moved to Chicago, where she opened a furniture store. In 1885, Sarah received a patent for her invention of the folding cabinet bed, becoming one of the first African American women to be granted a patent. This was a space-saving piece of furniture that could be folded into a cabinet during the day and unfolded into a bed at night.

BLK MKT Vintage

2014

Brooklyn-natives Kiyanna Stewart & Jannah Handy founded BLK MKT Vintage in November 2014. The NY-based vintage concept shop, specializing in furniture, collectibles, cast-off's and curiosities, which represent the richness of Black history and lived experience.

PORO

1902

Annie Malone was born to formerly enslaved parents. She would later become a pioneering Black entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the beauty and cosmetics industry through her brand (and college) Poro. Poro products included a range of haircare and beauty items. In the 1920s, the Poro brand gained popularity, increasing the value of her company and making her one of the wealthiest African American women.

Range Beauty

2018

In her 20s, Alicia Scott developed acne and eczema but couldn't reach for any of the makeup options on the market. The only available lines lacked shade range and contained sensitive skin triggering ingredients. Amidst thoughtless formulas that inflamed her highly reactive skin, Alicia created Range as a solution that would not compromise the color, care, or condition of her skin or others.

Atlanta Life Insurance Company

1905

Alonzo F. Herndon, a formerly enslaved man turned serial entrepreneur, founded Atlanta Life in 1905 after observing families lacking the savings to bury their lost loved ones. The company would become one of the most successful Black-owned insurance businesses in the nation. Herndon Herndon would also open three barbershops and invest in real estate, becoming one of the first African American millionaires.

BLK INSURANCE

BLK Insurance easily connects consumers with Black agents, men and women who are supremely knowledgable and have extensive experience. The BLK Insurance network has pros in all lines of coverage and thanks to technology, they’re right at your fingertips. Let those who know you best take care of you: protect everything that matters with BLK Insurance.

the golf tee INVENTION

1899

This Boston-based inventor and dentist not only became Harvard’s first Black professor, but is also known for his invention of the wooden golf tee. Grant's innovative golf tee replaced the traditional method of building a small mound of sand on the golf course, providing a more convenient and consistent way for golfers to tee up their balls. His invention & patent revolutionized the game of golf and became an essential element still used worldwide on golf courses today.

GREENWOOD GOLF

2002

Chris Word picked up his first golf club in middle school as a member of a Tiger Woods golf summer camp. That early experience would lead him to break down barriers in the golf industry. Greenwood GOLF was founded in 2021 to recognize the importance of community. Their products include signature signature golf balls and apparel.

Dreamland Theatre

1914

The Dreamland Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Black Wall Street opened its doors in 1914 and had a seating capacity of 750 people. The cinema was a hit and Loula's foresight paid dividends. The Dreamland Theatre quickly became a popular attraction in the town.

Stuart Cinema & Cafe

Emelyn Stuart has been executive producing film/tv projects for over decade. She opened Stuart Cinema & Cafe, becoming the first independent movie theater owned by a Black Latina in NY. The theater shows new movies, host private screenings and events, while serving empanadas, burgers, and snacks.