Erie's Black-Owned Businesses | Celebrating Juneteenth

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated annually on June 19th. Also known as Freedom Day for black Americans, the holiday commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.

Why June 19th?

It was on June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This news arrived two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official on January 1, 1863. The passing of the Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops present to enforce the executive order. After the surrender of Robert E. Lee in April of 1865 and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, Union forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Juneteenth 2020

Juneteenth is an occasion to rejoice. It is also a time for collective reflection as both a nation and a local community. As we celebrate one milestone in the human rights movement,  let us not forget the sacrifices that have been made to advance civil rights in our nation since 1863, and the work that still remains to be done.

Support black-owned businesses

To commemorate Juneteenth, Erie Arts & Culture teamed up with Erie's Black Wall Street to present a list of 92 black-owned businesses in our community. In addition to reviewing the list yourself, please consider sharing this document with a friend, colleague, or family member.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Erie's Black Wall Street for their assistance composing the list. We'd also like to thank Johnny Johnson and The Women of Erie for their additional insights. 

Please view, download, or print our list of 92 Black-Owned Erie Businesses below:

Erie's Black-Owned Businesses

“Black-owned businesses have been and will be an integral component for a thriving local economy. Continued support and equitable access to resources and capital will develop a stronger community and economy within Erie.”
- Cathryn P. Easterling
Bridgeway Capital
Director – Erie Office

"According to a 2016 Consumer Finance survey, from the Federal Reserve, Black families have only 10 cents for every dollar held by typical white families. By supporting black businesses you are supporting black communities. By supporting black communities, you are supporting all communities."
- Steve Walters
Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
Director of Membership Engagement & Diversity and Inclusion