Step back in time and uncover the remarkable stories of Black-owned businesses that have not only endured history’s challenges but thrived for over a century. Founded in the 1800s, these enterprises showcase resilience, vision, and an unwavering dedication to their communities. From pioneering newspapers and influential architecture firms to moving companies, pharmacies, and grocery stores, each story highlights determination, creativity, and the lasting legacy of Black entrepreneurship, showing how innovation and perseverance shaped communities for generations.
1. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage, founded in 1881 in Columbus, Ohio, is the oldest continuously operating Black-owned business in the U.S. Started by John T. Ward, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and his son William, with just a two-horse wagon, the company initially helped transport enslaved people to freedom. Over time, it expanded into a full moving and storage service for local and international relocations. Today, it continues to honor its legacy, reflecting Black entrepreneurship, resilience, and community commitment.
2. The Philadelphia Tribune
The Philadelphia Tribune, founded in 1884 by Christopher J. Perry, is the oldest continuously published African American newspaper in the U.S. Starting as a one-page weekly, it quickly grew to reach thousands of readers. The Tribune has been a vital platform for civil rights, reporting on community issues, amplifying Black voices, and documenting African American achievements. Today, it continues to operate in print and online, maintaining its dedication to informing, empowering, and supporting the Black community.
3. North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company
Founded in 1898 by John C. Merrick, a former enslaved man, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company served African Americans excluded from traditional financial services. Over time, it became one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the country, offering life insurance, financial guidance, and promoting property ownership. Its long-term impact empowered the Black community economically and professionally. Though the company faced financial challenges and liquidation in 2022, its legacy continues to inspire Black entrepreneurship and the value of community-led financial institutions.
5. The AFRO-American Newspapers
Founded in 1892 by John H. Murphy Sr. in Baltimore, The AFRO-American Newspapers is among the nation’s oldest Black-owned newspaper chains. It has long chronicled African American life and advocated for civil rights and social justice. Despite financial struggles and media competition, The AFRO remained a vital source of news and history for the Black community. Today, it operates as a multimedia company, combining print and digital platforms while continuing to inform, empower, and connect readers through a Black-centered perspective that celebrates history, culture, and progress.
6. W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home
Established in 1894 by William H. and Lucy C. Jefferson, W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home is recognized as one of the oldest Black-owned funeral homes in Mississippi. For generations, it has been a cornerstone of Vicksburg’s Black community, providing dignified funeral services and supporting families during difficult times. Under the leadership of James Jefferson Jr., the business continues to honor its history while delivering compassionate care and remaining deeply committed to the community it serves.
7. Hotel Robinson
In 1897, Albert Robinson, a formerly enslaved African American, and his wife Margaret, opened the Hotel Robinson in Julian, California, at a time when opportunities for Black entrepreneurs were extremely limited. The hotel became a thriving business and a social hub for both travelers and residents. Its success demonstrated the Robinsons’ vision, determination, and resilience despite racial and social barriers. Today, the hotel remains a historic landmark, symbolizing the lasting legacy of early Black entrepreneurship and its role in strengthening the community.