Community Rejoices as Sacramento’s ‘Black Wall Street’ Reopens Post-Fire

Following months dedicated to renovations, including the addition of modern restrooms, revamped flooring, and vibrant murals, Florin Square celebrated its grand reopening on September 20. "We are Sacramento’s Black Wall Street. The Black community regards this as a safe haven, tailored for us and by us," stated Aaron Boyce, the executive director of the Florin Square Community Development Corporation. He expressed his exhilaration at the reopening.Previously, a fire in one suite necessitated extensive water use to extinguish the blaze, prompting a temporary closure to address water damage. Established in 2003 by Thomas Donaldson, Florin Square serves as a dedicated hub for Black enterprises, drawing inspiration from historical “Black Wall Street” communities.Business owners expressed their enthusiasm about reopening. "The closure impacted many Black businesses here," noted Samuel Lamarr. "I’m thrilled to be back." Brigitte Muderhwa and Teesha Spagner echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preserving this cultural legacy and community space. Florin Square remains the largest collection of Black-owned businesses in Northern California, promoting entrepreneurship and community cohesion. (Photo: Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER)