During Black Business Month, A Look at Seaborn Carr, One of the Earliest Black Entrepreneurs in Pasadena

August marks Black Business Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs. Pasadena Now shines a spotlight on local African American entrepreneurs, from historic pioneers to present-day trailblazers. Join us in honoring their resilience and innovation, shaping a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in our community.

Seaborn B. Carr was one of the earliest Black business owners who has left a mark on the city’s economic landscape.

He migrated from Georgia to Pasadena in 1893 and worked as a whitewasher and a maintenance worker. In 1902, he founded The Enterprise, Pasadena’s first African-American newspaper.

Councilmember Justin Jones, great-great grandson of Carr, said through the establishment of the paper, Carr provided a voice for the Black community and shaped local discourse.

Carr was also one of the founders of  Scott Methodist Church, established in 1903. 

Jones said Carr’s contributions “went far beyond the pages of a newspaper and the walls of the church.”

In his lifetime, he also became known for being a civil rights leader in Pasadena.

He helped organize Union Day picnics to celebrate the end of slavery. 

At the time, Scott Methodist Church, standing at the intersection of Orange Grove Boulevard and Rosemont Street “would serve as not just a place of worship, but a hub for community organizing, social change, and progress.”

“His dedication to civil rights, entrepreneurship, and community building laid the foundation for future generations of Black entrepreneurs and advocates in Pasadena,” Jones said. 

“His story reminds us that progress and equality are often achieved through determination, resilience, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices,” he added.

August is National Black Business Month, which highlights and appreciates the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the country.

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