Visit Black American Businesses While in Austin for SXSW EDU 2023

As we honor and celebrate Black History Month, we encourage you to support Black American businesses in Austin, Texas.

In 1906 Tulsa, Oklahoma was the leading town for Black American business to flourish due to the discovery of oil. O.W. Gurley, visionary of the capital of “Black American self determination,” Greenwood community, established the first business with intentions to make Black Americans wealthy, landowners, and entrepreneurs. Businesses and occupations ranged from funeral parlors, theaters, hotels, hair salons, coffee shops, surgeons, doctors, lawyers, and more. This community represented Black Excellence and modeled to Black American communities across the South that limitless opportunities are available during a time of segregation. Segregation prevented Black American businesses from maximizing their full potential. They couldn't apply their trades or purchase goods in the larger white American communities.So, the citizens of Greenwood unanimously decided to create their own economy with the intention of generating income within the community. The success of Greenwood gained recognition from Booker T. Washington, who referred to the community as “The Black Wall Street.” However, in 1921, racism threatened the continuing success of Greenwood, and the city was changed forever, destroyed by fire during the Tulsa race riot.

Learn more about Black Wall Street

While your schedule may be packed during the SXSW EDU Conference & Festival, you may find that you have some time to squeeze in some self-care activities or enjoyable meals in the early hours before or late hours after the event.

Food & Drinks

Anything’s Baked Potato | 1326 Rosewood Ave Austin, TX 78702
Austin Daiquiri Factory |2000 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
Bird Bird Biscuit | 2701 Manor Road
Ladybird’s Austin Kitchen |810 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
Sam’s BBQ |2000 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
Tony's Jamaican Food | 1124 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

More Black-Owned Restaurants & Food Trucks in Austin

Services

Beaute Studio Esthetics | 10931 Jollyville Rd Austin, Texas 78759
Ily Nails | 1615 Grand Ave Parkway Suite 206 Pflugerville, TX 78660
League of Rebels | 411 W. 2ND St.Austin, TX
Suga’s Cakery |310 E. Pecan St. Pflugerville, TX 78660
Willtothe | Book DJ Online

More Black-Owned Businesses in Austin

Join Your Community in March

Register to attend in Austin or experience SXSW EDU Online. Celebrate education through compelling sessions, networking opportunities, and so much more at SXSW EDU from March 6-9, 2023.

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Photo provided by Tico Mendoza