The City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion, and Opportunity (CRIO) is stepping out this Friday for its Annual Black History Month Black Business Crawl. Locals are encouraged to join as they trek across Detroit, shining a spotlight on a slew of Black-owned businesses that are shaping the community. The event, which signals more than a mere celebration, is a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the City’s African American demographic, according to the City of Detroit.
Starting at 9 a.m. sharp, Detroiters can gather at the Detroit Rosa Coffee Shop to commence the tours of ingenuity and determination. This beacon of Black business is operated by Charity Dean, a woman who exemplifies the transition from public servant to business maven, as a former CRIO director turned CEO of Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance. The City announced the event on its website, laying out the day’s journey that includes stops at noteworthy local enterprises like DTown Vinyl and Art In Motion. Patrons can expect to experience the confluence of culture and commerce as they explore businesses stamped with CRIO’s seal of Certified Detroit through the Detroit Business Opportunity Program (DBOP).
It’s more than just a day out on the town. The Black Business Crawl is strategically placed to exalt these hubs of economic activity ahead of significant events descending upon Detroit. With attention turned to Detroit, these businesses are poised to seize the moment, responding to the influx and demand with exceptional services and products. The slate of businesses encompasses a variety of trades and crafts, from House of Morrison Shoe Repair’s time-honored work to DaCut Dispensary’s modern touch on wellness.
Details about the crawl were made public through Detroit’s official channels, with a call to all residents to engage with these pillars of the business sector from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The lineup also includes the likes of Detroit Voltage, a spark in the city’s electric atmosphere, and IVY Kitchen + Cocktails Detroit, where the culmination of taste and entrepreneurial flair promises a sensory and inspirational feast. A visit to dynamic locales like these not only serves as an act of support but stitches visitors into the rich tapestry of Detroit’s evolving narrative — a story imbued with resilience and ambition.
As Detroit marks another chapter in Black History Month, the Black Business Crawl stands as a testament to the undying drive of the city’s Black entrepreneurs. It invites citizens and visitors alike to witness firsthand the ongoing legacy of Black commerce – a legacy that continues to empower and uplift an entire community.