Juneteenth Bus Tour Shows Cultural Roots Of Black Owned Business Community

On Juneteenth, Congresswoman Kathy Castor embarked on a bus tour to explore several local Black-owned enterprises in St. Petersburg, aiming to shed light on the often-overlooked small business community. The first stop was Successful Futures Tutoring Service, guided by Doretha Edwards, who caters to 48 students in various subjects, from GED and SAT preparation to science and social studies. Edwards shared her struggles of covering bills without turning a profit, emphasizing her passion for teaching. Castor expressed her intent to enhance visibility and funding for such initiatives. Next was Community Tech House, run by Lynn Johnson, who started her business in 2020 post-layoff, utilizing her tech expertise to empower others. Johnson teaches coding and repurposes donated computers for those in need. The final destination was Central Station Barbershop and Grooming, where Antonio Brown provides reading lessons alongside haircuts. His approach bolsters self-esteem and fosters community connections. Castor concluded, advocating for greater awareness and support of these essential businesses.