Atlantic City Community Pushes For More Black-Owned Businesses Amidst Historic Decline

by Rafael Pena February 29, 2024 Atlantic City, once a hub for Black-owned businesses, now sees a mere fraction of what it used to have historically. Press Of Atlantic City reported that Atlantic City, once a hub for Black-owned businesses, now sees a mere fraction of what it used to. Historically, over 300 Black-owned businesses thrived in the Northside. Today, only a handful remains, surviving integration in sectors like barbershops, beauty parlors, churches, and funeral services, according to Ralph Hunter, president of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey. Despite the decline, a new wave of entrepreneurs is determined to reverse the trend. Carson Days, co-owner of Swapz AC in Tanger Outlets, sees promise in the diversification of businesses, providing opportunities for smaller establishments to compete with major corporations. The push for revitalization has garnered support from residents and the local community. Discrepancies arise in counting Black-owned businesses, with Visit Atlantic City listing 15 and Yelp reporting only six. Nationally, Black-owned firms have seen a notable increase, reaching 161,031, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Gross revenue for these businesses has surged by 43%, demonstrating growth from $127.9 billion in 2017 to $183.3 billion in 2021. Determined entrepreneurs...