“Anacostia is Open”: Businesses Celebrate Resilience and Community Unity
By: Trevor Johnson
Anacostia BID
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Black Business Month comes to an end, business owners in Anacostia gathered Tuesday Morning to highlight their resilience and rally community support amid ongoing challenges — from lingering fatigue after the COVID-19 pandemic to the impact of the recent military surge in the city. The ceremony opened with live music from the Experience Band & Show, setting a celebratory tone despite the weight of the issues discussed.
“Today is a special day,” said Ron Moten, co-founder of the Go-Go Museum. “We have over 100 businesses that are owned primarily by African Americans east of the river. I don’t know anywhere else in the country where this exists.”
Moten acknowledged both the promise and the obstacles facing the community. “We have a lot of great things going on, but we have what I would call an occupation going on right now, that’s stopping a lot of the growth that can happen with some of the businesses,” he said, noting that some establishments have lost traction as fewer people come out.
Still, Moten emphasized the importance of sustaining joy, supporting local entrepreneurs and not allowing fear to dictate community progress. “It’s important for us to let the world know how this is affecting us, but most importantly, ask the heart and soul of D.C. to support local businesses, because you are our lifeline,” he said. “Nobody can steal our joy and tear down our businesses unless we let it happen.”
He also credited local allies for supporting Anacostia’s small business corridor. “When we talk about equity, we went to Star Bennet of Check It Enterprises, Robert White, and DMPED (Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development) and said, ‘If you believe in stopping gentrification, then show us.’ And they showed us with their heart, with their pen, and with their voice,” Moten said.
Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (At-Large) echoed the call to action, stressing that the strength of Ward 8 businesses uplifts the entire city. “If the businesses thrive in Ward 8, then Washington, D.C. as a whole is winning,” McDuffie said. “Years ago, I said this could be the new Black Wall Street. We need to show up for these businesses, patronize their businesses, and spend money in their shops so they can continue to thrive.”
Shawn Townsend, president of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, underscored the industry’s vital role in the city. “Restaurants are a vital part of our community; somebody’s always hungry, and we are always ready to serve,” he said. “We employ about 65,000 people here in D.C., generating half a billion dollars in sales tax revenue. . . The hospitality industry continues to be an economic driver, bringing people together culturally and economically.”
Townsend acknowledged the difficulties restaurants still face. “We have not fully recovered from the pandemic,” he said. “But we cannot allow fear to dictate how we operate in our own communities. Support Restaurant Week, we even extended it another week to give businesses a lifeline during one of the slowest times of the year. Make reservations and continue to support restaurants year-round.”
Local entrepreneurs spoke to their own contributions. Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell of Grounded, a plant shop, café, and wellness studio, said their mission is to “improve wellness through nature” through offerings like yoga, meditation, and coffee sourced from women-owned producers. “Everyone has their own niche for uplifting people — for us it’s wellness,” Hemsley said.
Chris Bradshaw of Dreaming Out Loud announced the September opening of the Marion Barry Avenue Market, a new food hub. “It’s a 4,700 square foot food hub, grocery store, and café. All that back-end infrastructure can also support our three shared kitchens so that other food makers can grow with us,” Bradshaw said. “My grandmother always told me, ‘It’s always darkest before dawn.’ We do this work joyfully.”
Other business owners reflected the same spirit—Darnell Perkins of Darnell’s previewed his new restaurant soon beside the Go-Go Museum. At the same time, Linda Greene of Anacostia Organics highlighted her hiring pledge and urged other businesses to follow suit. “I made a promise when I applied for my license that I would only hire D.C. residents, with a preference for Ward 7 and 8,” Greene said. “That’s how we keep our economy strong and resources circulating within our community.”
Closing the event, Kristina Noell, executive director and CEO of the Anacostia BID, reminded residents that the area is not defined by struggle but by growth. “We are not going to allow people to talk about Anacostia as if we’re going back in time,” she said. “There’s a lot of growth, a lot of wonderful things going on. We really have to come together, stay together, and keep this community thriving.”
The day ended with chants of “No fear, Anacostia is here!” and another performance from the Experience Band & Show, sending the crowd into the afternoon with music and high energy. Moten also announced the return of UniFest, noting that while there will be a few changes, it will carry the same spirit of bringing community members together this fall to celebrate music, culture, and unity.
As Black Business Month closes, the message from Anacostia is clear: the community is open, resilient, and ready for what’s next.