FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – A section of downtown Florence has a new name in honor of African American business owners who succeeded there during times of racial segregation.
The street marker for the Historic Downtown African American Business District was unveiled Saturday afternoon on North Dargan Street. A few dozen people gathered at Ideal Funeral Parlor for the dedication ceremony. Some of the event’s speakers included Mayor Stephen Wukela, city council members, church leaders, and family members of black entrepreneurs who owned shops along North Dargan Street as far back as the 1930s.
Many of them reflected on the days when downtown Florence was broken up into two parts: white and black, and also celebrated how far the city and community have come.
“When I moved here with my family in 1963, Florence was a segregated community. There was a black and white water fountain, there were black and white restrooms and restaurants,“ said Councilman George Jebaily. “We’re a long ways from where we were, thankfully. We’re grateful that we’ve come as far as we have but we have a long ways to go. So we can never ever let our young people forget where we have been because it’s an important way to understand where we are and where we’re going.”
Today’s celebration honored the legacy and successes of black restaurant, barber shop, and church owners who helped the city thrive during times of racial segregation.
When asked what she thinks her ancestors would say about today’s event, Minister Buquilla Ervin-Cannon said “They would be so proud that we have been working on this for almost 8 years and now they can look down and say thank you for what you’ve done.”
She also said she believes the African American Business District will have a positive impact on the city and will bring the community together, saying “This is just the launching pad of what’s going to happen for the future.”
The event ended with a reception where attendees got the chance to mingle with one another and also read about the people who helped shape the district years ago.
