Jackson Ward was known in the early 20th century as “Black Wall Street,” a place where African-American businesses thrived. Led by entrepreneurs such as Maggie Walker and John Mitchell Jr., Jackson Ward functioned as its own economy, mostly removed from the rest of Richmond. Yet in the 1960s Jackson Ward began a steady, decades-long decline as businesses closed down and homes were boarded up. Today Jackson Ward is considered one of Richmond’s up-and-coming neighborhoods. Rents are rising as new businesses open and newcomers, many of them white, bring new wealth and gentrification to the area. As Jackson Ward’s economy improves, the effects on the community are still to be seen.
By Fatema Al Darii Sahara Cafe and Grill caught my attention because the owner, Mariam Al Saiyd, is a native of Sudan, and I overheard her speaking with an Arabic accent. Frankly, I was surprised to find an Arab-run business in Jackson Ward. But, this also meant that the food is genuinely authentic. Mariam is Read more about Sahara in Jackson Ward[…]
by Noah Maggin The sign hangs proudly, centered above the bar, in the tornado of commotion within Mama J’s Kitchen. “Welcome to our home,” it reads, “where great memories are made with family and friends.” What better way to comfort diners and encourage them to feel at home? Opened in 2009, Mama J’s truly Read more about Just the Way Mama J Envisioned[…]
by Sam Craig It may be a man’s world, but it’s run by a woman. Susan Youngs opened It’s A Man’s World, an upscale men’s consignment shop right in the center of Jackson Ward, only seven months ago. “My husband needed to get rid of some of his clothes: cashmere sweaters, ties, old coats. But Read more about It’s A Man’s World[…]
by Sam Craig Maggie L. Walker is commonly known as the first African-American female banker. That may be what the history books say, but if you ask Ethan Bullard it is not the most important thing for people to know about her. “Maggie Walker was from a single parent household, disabled from diabetes and was Read more about Walking Through History[…]
I gesture towards Gilpin Court, craggy and salmon-colored in the distance. “What do you see, when you look over there?” I ask. Fuad Fara, employee and chef at ANA, Gilpin Court’s only deli and convenience store, barely turns around. He grins, sly and sunny. “I see a business opportunity,” Fara says.
by Lucy Nalen Barksdale Haggins, owner of a gospel record shop in Jackson Ward, has been going by the nickname “Barky” for most of his 86 years. Today, this revered senior citizen and anchor of the community is known as Mister Barky. The man himself is dapper and fit: The name suits him. In business Read more about Mr. Barky’s Spiritual Store[…]
by Fatema Al Darii When I lost my favorite hat to the James River, I went into mourning for a time, and then decided to get a haircut. That’s what brought me to Tight Cuts Unisex Barbershop on First Street in Jackson Ward on a chilly Tuesday afternoon in April. Tight Cuts was relatively empty Read more about Tight Cuts[…]
by Sam Craig Mahasin Shakoor watches over her store from a seat in the back left corner. Surrounded by the smell of sandalwood and a kaleidoscope of skirts, scarves and dashikis, she looks perfectly at home. Like she could have been there forever. Mahasin has been on 2nd Street longer than most. She opened Shakoor’s Read more about Movers and Shakoor’s[…]