Black Wall Street Atlanta: Where History, Culture, and Black Business Meet

When people in Atlanta talk about “Black Wall Street”, they’re usually referring to a powerful idea: a thriving ecosystem of Black-owned businesses, innovation, and community wealth centered in one city. Atlanta has embraced this concept in several ways, blending historic Black business districts, modern marketplaces, and economic development initiatives that support Black entrepreneurs today.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are researching the local business scene, understanding “Black Wall Street Atlanta” means knowing:

• Where the historic Black business corridors are
• Which modern spaces and events carry on that legacy
• How Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta can tap into local resources, programs, and networks

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide.

What “Black Wall Street Atlanta” Really Means

The original Black Wall Street refers to the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a prosperous early 20th-century Black business community. In Atlanta, the phrase is used more broadly to describe:

• Historic Black business hubs (like Auburn Avenue and the Westside)
• Modern developments and marketplaces that center Black vendors and founders
• Economic and cultural efforts to build and retain Black wealth locally

You may see “Black Wall Street Atlanta” used:

• In event names for pop-up markets or expos
• By business collectives and incubators
• As a nickname for Black business corridors around the city

When you hear it in Atlanta, you’re usually hearing about spaces that prioritize Black ownership, entrepreneurship, and community support.

A Look Back: Atlanta’s Historic Black Business Corridors

Sweet Auburn: Atlanta’s Original Black Business Street

If there was ever a place closest to a “Black Wall Street” in Atlanta’s history, it’s Sweet Auburn Avenue.

Where it is:
Auburn Avenue NE, roughly from Peachtree Center Ave to Boulevard NE, just east of Downtown.

For decades in the early–mid 20th century, Auburn Avenue was considered one of the wealthiest Black business districts in the United States. It was home to:

• Black-owned banks and insurance companies
• Professional offices (doctors, lawyers, dentists)
• Churches, social clubs, and civic organizations
• Retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues

Key landmarks still standing today include:

• The King Center – 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Ebenezer Baptist Church – 101 Jackson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History – 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

While Auburn Avenue isn’t the same bustling commercial corridor it once was, it remains symbolic of Black entrepreneurship in Atlanta. Walking Auburn today gives you both history and a look at ongoing revitalization efforts.

Atlanta University Center & Westside Business Culture

Another historically significant hub of Black leadership and business is the Atlanta University Center (AUC) area on the Westside.

Key institutions:

• Clark Atlanta University – 223 James P. Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Morehouse College – 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Spelman College – 350 Spelman Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

The AUC has long been a powerhouse of Black talent and entrepreneurship, influencing nearby neighborhoods like:

• West End (around Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW)
• Vine City and Ashview Heights

In these areas you’ll find:

• Black-owned restaurants and shops
• Co-working spaces and community organizations
• Cultural and business networking events geared toward Black professionals and founders

Modern Expressions of “Black Wall Street” in Atlanta

Today, “Black Wall Street Atlanta” is less one single place and more a network of spaces, markets, and initiatives that uplift Black businesses.

Black-Owned Marketplaces, Hubs, and Corridors

Across Atlanta, you’ll find clusters of Black-owned businesses that reflect the Black Wall Street spirit.

Some examples of areas with strong Black business presence include:

• Historic West End – along Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW
• Parts of Cascade Road SW and Camp Creek Parkway corridors
• Sections of Old National Highway, just south of the city (often considered part of metro Atlanta)

These areas feature:

• Beauty salons and barbershops
• Black-owned restaurants, lounges, and cafes
• Boutiques, wellness spaces, and professional services

If you’re looking to support Black businesses in Atlanta, these corridors are strong starting points.

Pop-Up Markets & Black Business Expos

You’ll also see “Black Wall Street” attached to events and pop-up marketplaces that bring Black vendors together under one roof, often for a weekend or a rotating schedule.

These may:

• Be hosted at event venues, parks, or convention centers
• Focus on small and micro-businesses: apparel, art, skincare, candles, sweets, and more
• Feature food trucks, DJs, and panel discussions on business and finance

Since these events change frequently, locals usually find them through:

• Community centers and cultural hubs
• Social media pages focused on Atlanta Black-owned businesses
• Word of mouth within professional and neighborhood networks

When you see a flyer or promotion for a “Black Wall Street Atlanta” market or expo, it’s typically an opportunity to:

• Shop from multiple Black vendors in one place
• Network with entrepreneurs and side-hustlers
• Learn about business resources and financial literacy

Atlanta Resources That Support Black Entrepreneurs

Even when “Black Wall Street Atlanta” is more idea than address, the city offers concrete, on-the-ground resources for Black founders and small business owners.

City & Public-Sector Support

Invest Atlanta
The City of Atlanta’s economic development agency plays a major role in supporting small businesses, including those owned by Black entrepreneurs.

• Main office: 133 Peachtree St NE, Suite 2900, Atlanta, GA 30303
• General phone: (404) 880-4100

Invest Atlanta administers and promotes:

• Small business loans and grants (periodically available)
• Assistance with business planning and expansion
• Connections to training and technical assistance providers

If you are starting or scaling a business, contacting Invest Atlanta or checking their current small business programs can be a practical step.

Business Licensing & Registration

While not specific to Black-owned businesses, every entrepreneur in Atlanta must navigate city and state requirements:

• City of Atlanta Office of Revenue (Business Licenses)
  • 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line: (404) 330-6270

They handle:

• Business licenses/occupational tax certificates
• Certain local permits depending on your business type

At the state level, you register many types of businesses through:

• Georgia Secretary of State – Corporations Division
  • 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, Suite 313 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334
  • General phone: (404) 656-2817

This is where you file LLCs, corporations, and other entities.

Local Organizations and Networks Focused on Black Business

Atlanta is home to a robust network of organizations that align closely with the Black Wall Street spirit, focusing on Black wealth, business development, and professional growth.

Examples include:

• Atlanta Business League

  • 931 Martin Luther King Jr Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  • Phone: (404) 584-8126
  • Longstanding organization advocating for and supporting African American businesses.

• Atlanta Black Chambers

  • A membership-based business organization focused on Black-owned enterprises across metro Atlanta.
  • Hosts events, workshops, and networking for Black entrepreneurs.

• Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce (inclusive of minority business initiatives)

  • 191 Peachtree St NE, Suite 3400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 880-9000

These groups often present:

• Networking sessions and mixers
• Business education workshops
• Access to mentors and peer support

While some require membership fees, they can be valuable for building a business support system, especially for first-time entrepreneurs.

University & Nonprofit Support for Black Founders

Several universities and nonprofits in Atlanta offer programs that heavily engage with Black entrepreneurs, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods or industries.

Examples of where to look:

• Atlanta University Center institutions (Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta) for community-facing entrepreneurship initiatives
• Local nonprofit business development centers and co-working spaces (especially in the West End, Downtown, and Westside) that host pitch competitions, accelerators, or small business boot camps

These programs typically focus on:

• Business planning and strategy
• Access to capital (how to prepare for loans and investors)
• Marketing, branding, and digital presence

How to Experience “Black Wall Street Atlanta” as a Visitor or Local

If you’re trying to see and feel Black Wall Street energy in Atlanta, here are practical ways to do it.

1. Walk Through Historically Significant Areas

Sweet Auburn

• Stroll Auburn Avenue and visit sites like The King Center and the Auburn Avenue Research Library.
• Look for murals, plaques, and small businesses that highlight the street’s history as a Black economic hub.

West End & AUC Area

• Drive or walk along Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW and around the AUC campuses.
• Support nearby cafes, bookstores, and boutiques that are Black-owned.

2. Shop and Dine at Black-Owned Businesses

“Black Wall Street” isn’t only about offices and banks. It’s also about:

• Where you eat
• Where you shop
• Who you hire for services

Locals often:

• Build personal lists of favorite Black-owned restaurants, salons, and shops
• Share recommendations in neighborhood groups and on social platforms
• Intentionally redirect spending toward Black-owned businesses on a regular basis, not just during special events

A practical way to participate in “Black Wall Street Atlanta” is to consciously include Black-owned businesses in your routine – from brunch to accounting services.

3. Attend Black Business Markets & Community Events

Look for:

• Black business expos
• “Black Wall Street” pop-up markets or festivals
• Pitch competitions and innovation showcases featuring Black founders

These events usually offer:

• Direct access to local creators and small business owners
• Information about resources, mentors, and funding
• A chance to see how vibrant Atlanta’s Black entrepreneurial scene is in real time

Because schedules rotate, it’s common for Atlantans to discover these through:

• Community event boards
• University and cultural center calendars
• Citywide event listings, especially around Black History Month, Juneteenth, and major summer festivals

Getting Started if You’re a Black Entrepreneur in Atlanta

If your personal goal is to build your own version of Black Wall Street in Atlanta—whether that’s a storefront, online brand, or professional service—here’s a simple roadmap:

Quick Start Checklist 📝

1. Clarify your business idea

   • What problem are you solving?
   • Who in Atlanta (or beyond) will pay for it?

2. Handle the basics of setup

   • Register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State (if forming an LLC or corporation).
   • Apply for a City of Atlanta business license via the Office of Revenue.

3. Tap into local support

   • Contact Invest Atlanta for current small business programs or technical assistance partners.
   • Explore membership or events with the Atlanta Business League or Atlanta Black Chambers.

4. Find community and visibility

   • Participate in Black business markets, vendor opportunities, and expos.
   • Network in historically Black business corridors like West End or during events around Sweet Auburn.

5. Make it sustainable

   • Focus on building good financial habits, clear pricing, and a solid brand presence.
   • Consider mentors from local business organizations or alumni networks if you attended an Atlanta-area school or HBCU.

At-a-Glance: Key Atlanta Resources for Black Business

In Atlanta, “Black Wall Street” is more than a nickname. It’s a living effort to honor historic Black business districts, strengthen today’s Black-owned enterprises, and create a city where Black wealth and entrepreneurship can grow for generations. Whether you’re walking Auburn Avenue, shopping in West End, or launching your own venture, you’re participating in that story.