Black On The Block Has Black Businesses Booming Downtown LA
Black On The Block (BLOTB) was back again this month and this time with the headliner being Tiny Desk king Durand Bernarr. We discuss it here!
Black On The Block Logo
Photo Credit: Black On The Black Facebook
By: Jayla Smith
Black On The Block (BLOTB) was back again this month and this time with the headliner being Tiny Desk king Durand Bernarr. BLOTB is the place for black people to get together to eat, shop, and support each other in peace. This event allures a huge cookout or BBQ feel, which ever function resonates with where you’re from. The food is amazing!
Durand Bernarr
Photo Credit: Gianna Dorsey
There are so many black owned food trucks with a lot of options to choose from on their menu’s. Once you are done with your food- Smirnoff typically has a section with mini samples you can try from. You can try it as many times as you want so make sure you Uber- safety first! Trust me you will be glad that you caught that ride to this go-to event, it is always packed out!
This space is filled with black people from all parts of the world who want to support individual clothing brands and food trucks by our people. If you are craving a place filled with culture in LA- this is one of the places to get into. Happening once a month in Downtown LA, BLOTB always has the best headliners. Live performances have included: Phabo, Tiacorine, Durand Bernarr, and many more– this party passed the vibe check.
Durand Bernarr: Tiny Desk Concert
Everything sold at this event is black-owned and each vendor gets credit where it is due. One thing I love is the essence of unity and community, drawing black individuals from diverse corners of the world to partake in a peaceful and supportive gathering. If you live in LA or just visiting this event is something you definitely want to try out!
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Angel Gregorio Makes History With The First All Black Shopping Center In D.C.
Discover the motivating story of Angel Gregorio and her journey to creating the first all-black shopping center in D.C. We discuss it here!
Angel Gregorio | Owner of Black and Forth
By: Adonis Armstrong
In 2015, Angel Gregorio took a leap of faith and quit from being a principal to a business owner. She opened up a spice shop called the Spice Suite, but her aspirations were always bigger. Instead of just opening her own establishment, she remolded a 7,500 square foot lot in a D.C. neighborhood into a retail community for local Black-owned businesses. She named the space, Black and Forth, which is located at 2201 Channing St. NE.
Black and Forth
Angel now is the first Black woman to own a strip mall in D.C. and has partnered with other Black women entrepreneurs as well. The strip mall is home to a variety of businesses, including hair salons, clothing stores, and restaurants. Many of these businesses have been owned and operated by African American entrepreneurs for years and they will continue to be a staple in the community.
It is pivotal that the Black and Forth shopping center is protected and celebrated for future generations to understand the rich legacy of this extraordinary cultured place. I believe it will serve as a symbol of trust and motivation for other Black entrepreneurs who are looking to begin their own business in the future. With Angel Gregorio's leadership, the Black and Forth shopping center will be a vital part of D.C.'s community and a guide for financial empowerment for the black community.
Meet Jayla Smith, contributing Writer for 247 Live Culture!