A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Black History Month in Downtown Phoenix

As part of our celebration of Black History Month, Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) launched a campaign to spotlight small business owners and influential visionaries by sharing their stories and amplifying Black leadership in Downtown Phoenix.  

In 2024, 30% of the new businesses in Downtown Phoenix were Black-owned, raising the total to 36 and counting. 

Throughout the month, we collaborated with Black-owned businesses in Downtown Phoenix to learn more about the passion, inspiration, and culture they contribute to our community. This initiative allowed us to connect firsthand with the incredible individuals who are leading the way with purpose and impact. 

This blog serves as a collection of the different elements that made this campaign possible, including intentional branding, historical insight, behind-the-scenes outtakes, and compelling messages from Downtown's incredible community of Black business owners. 

The Message Behind the Branding

The eye-catching designs often used to celebrate Black History Month draw inspiration from African textile designs. These designs feature bold colors and intricate geometric patterns to symbolize history, unity, and cultural pride. These visual elements have become a powerful creative tool to generate an immediate sense of recognition and advocacy for Black heritage. 

For this campaign, we intentionally incorporated these stylistic components into our branding to enhance awareness through communication strategies, including our organization’s social media and online presence, email newsletter, print collateral, What's Happening Guide, and placemaking efforts, like the 28 street pole banners placed throughout Downtown by our Clean + Green team. 

By weaving these historic and culturally significant designs into our visuals, we aim to honor the legacy of Black history in our community and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way. 

Telling the Stories of Downtown’s Black-Owned Business Community 

Through our outreach to Black-owned businesses in Downtown Phoenix, we forged meaningful connections that deepened our understanding of their fortitude, resilience, and achievements.  

Engaging in thoughtful conversations with each local business owner gave us an exclusive opportunity to amplify their voices by sharing their powerful messages with our audience. 

In addition to highlighting business owners on social media and in the weekly DTPHX Insider newsletter, we launched a strategic PR campaign that secured coverage across print, broadcast, and online media. Local reporters personally connected with these business owners and explored the triumphs and challenges of entrepreneurship in 2025, highlighting what it means to be a part of Downtown Phoenix’s evolving and diverse community. The PR campaign engaged with an audience of over 17 million people. 

Each story shared was a testament to the resilience, passion, and rich cultural contributions that create a lasting impact on the Downtown Phoenix community and beyond. 

Behind-the-Scenes Community Outtakes 

There is no better way to learn more about Downtown’s indomitable community of Black-owned businesses than by immersing ourselves in their unique spaces. To do so, we visited our neighbors to build personal connections and see firsthand the variety of services, flavors, and experiences each local spot offers. 

Each stop gave us a deeper appreciation for the passion and dedication behind each business—whether we were sipping expertly brewed coffee at The Grind by Chic Chef, mastering a headstand at Yoga Hause, touring Glow Frame Initiative’s state-of-the-art production studio, or indulging in a soothing facial at UR Tangled Truth. 

These moments gave us a deeper appreciation of the passion and dedication behind each entrepreneur, strengthening our connection to the community and offering an authentic and impactful perspective to our Black History Month storytelling. 

Defining Moments of Phoenix’s Black History 

To gain a deeper understanding of Phoenix’s Black History, we connected with Steve Schumacher, the Official Historian of the Mayor’s Office. Together, we explored significant people, places, and events that have influenced Black history in Phoenix.  

His insight provided valuable historical context that we utilized to honor the legacy of prominent Black leaders and significant milestones that have defined our community’s rich culture and identity. 

Black History Month and Beyond 

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

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. Their stories serve as a reminder that supporting Black-owned businesses and their journeys should extend beyond this month—it is an ongoing commitment to embracing growth, equity, and inclusivity in our city.  

We are incredibly grateful to each business owner who welcomed us into their spaces and shared their experiences. Their contributions enrich Downtown Phoenix every day, and we remain dedicated to amplifying Black voices, celebrating local entrepreneurship, and cultivating a supportive and collaborative community for all. 

Click here to check out the full guide of Black-owned businesses in Downtown Phoenix to support during Black History Month and beyond.