Not so distant past | Galveston's Black Business District

Galveston's Black Business District Beginning in the late 1800s, the area west of 25th St. and North Broadway was the center of Galveston‘s Black business district with restaurants, theaters, insurance companies, and grocery stores, most owned, operated, and built by black citizens of Galveston. Names like Gus Allen, TD Armstrong, Albert Feas, “Neat” and Mary James, and Maggie Fisher were Staples among the community as they operated some of Galveston‘s most famous businesses and restaurants. In times of racial segregation, many businesses and services in Galveston’s Central Business District did not welcome people of color. However, West of Rosenberg Avenue was open for business. This district did not only serve residents of Galveston but sailors from all over the world and visitors from all over the United States. Keep in mind there in the times of Galveston’s shipping prowess. There were sailors from all over the world visiting Galveston. They were from countries like India, The Caribbean, South America, Africa, Asia, you name it, and not everyone was welcome in Galveston‘s central business district. As people would travel to Galveston for business or pleasure, many African-Americans utilized the Green Book. This resource provided addresses to welcoming businesses all over the United States. Galveston claims at least 12 businesses listed in the green book, most of them found in Galveston‘s Black Business District. As you can see, very little of this district remains today. Although very few of the homes and buildings remain, we cannot forget the importance and history of perseverance and self-sustainabilityInterested in information covered in this episode? Reference links below:The Green Book in GalvestonAfrican American Historic Places in GalvestonLost Restaurants of Galveston’s African American Community Black GalvestonAfrican-American History Resources: Reconstruction to the Present1894  Arial view of this area | Water Works towerList of Black Newspapers in Galveston📱Social Media and other ways to explore history📍Visit Galveston history audio tour map!🎧Market Mile with Spotify! | West of Rosenberg Ave & North Broadway Support the showGalveston Unscripted Digital Market