Easter weekend brought fresh energy to 75th and King Drive. For hours, the street buzzed with local businesses, families, and music. “Spend in the Black” welcomed over 100 Black-owned businesses to set up and sell directly to the community.
From morning until evening, crowds filled the block. People stopped by food stands, browsed books, chatted with shop owners, and ran into old friends. You could feel the purpose behind every booth.
A full street, a full day, and real support
Vendors weren’t just passing out samples—they were being seen. This stretch of 75th Street became a living reminder of how strong South Side neighbourhoods can be when people back each other.
The event was organized by Pastor Otis Moss III, alongside faith leaders and city officials. It drew support from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Their message was clear: Black-owned businesses are vital to the city, and gatherings like this show what happens when people show up.
Vendors brought their presence and more
One of the business owners, Jerisa Upton of House Fitness, said showing up mattered just as much as selling anything.
Every vendor had a story. Some were lifelong Chicagoans. Others recently opened their doors. What connected them was a shared belief in local support.
The bigger picture for 75th Street
This wasn’t a one-time event. The long-term goal is to develop 75th Street into a center for Black-owned businesses a stronghold that draws people in and keeps resources circulating locally. The vision takes inspiration from Tulsa’s Greenwood District, once a thriving area known for its independent businesses and cultural strength.
Leaders want to reestablish that kind of self-sustaining success something lasting, rooted in community ownership and pride.
What to do next? Start small, stay consistent
If you live nearby, visit one of these businesses. Tell a friend. Try a new place. Buy a book or a meal from someone running their business with care and commitment. These steps matter. They keep money in the neighbourhood and help business owners grow.
Events like “Spend in the Black” show how far things can go when people invest in their own. More are planned, and each one brings more attention to the movement happening on the South Side. What’s happening on 75th and King is real. And it’s just getting started.
Key Takeaways
Chicago’s South Side is revitalizing its community through a series of events that support Black-owned businesses, aiming to create a new economic hub inspired by the historic Black Wall Street in Tulsa.
- Impact: Strengthening local economies by supporting Black-owned businesses can lead to sustainable growth and community empowerment.
- Action: Individuals can contribute by visiting and purchasing from local businesses, spreading awareness, and participating in community events.
- Empowerment: Consistent community support and collaboration among local leaders and officials can transform neighborhoods into thriving economic centers.
