From an early age, Billy Shields was a student of Downtown. For longer than Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) has existed, Shields has practiced an exhaustive, all-encompassing commitment to his city as a firefighter, lobbyist, developer, prolific board member, and PCA luminary in more than four decades of service to the local community.

One of Downtown Phoenix's most recent adaptive reuse success stories involved a drab, windowless, stucco-covered building at 401 West Van Buren Street. Still, Pat Cantelme and Jim Kuykendall saw potential in the uninspiring structure and purchased it in 2015. Two years later, The Van Buren concert hall opened to rave reviews, much like the original building received when it debuted in 1930.

Through the powerful messages and insights shared by Black business owners, we have seen recurring themes of resilience, passion, and the deep cultural roots that strengthen our community.

As Black History Month ends, these inspiring stories and connections resonate throughout Downtown Phoenix.