By Neenma Ebeledike | OBSERVER Staff Writer
After months of repairs and upgrades, including the installation of new restrooms, flooring, and murals, Florin Square reopened with a grand celebration Sept. 20.
“We are Sacramento’s Black Wall Street. The Black community here knows this is a safe space they can call home; that is for us and by us,” said Aaron Boyce, executive director of Florin Square Community Development Corp. “I feel exhilarated today at its reopening.”
In April, a fire broke out in one of the suites at the community hub, located at 2251 Florin Road. A substantial amount of water was used to extinguish the flames. As a precaution due to the water damage, the building was temporarily closed.
Florin Square was founded in 2003, when Thomas Donaldson purchased a large building on Florin Road to create a space dedicated to Black businesses. He was inspired by the historical “Black Wall Street” communities of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These communities were self-sufficient hubs of Black businesses and services, created to survive in the face of systemic racism and segregation.
“The Black Wall Street was burned down in Tulsa,” Boyce said. “They thought they were killing something, but instead, Tulsa rebuilt and created a legacy that has grown throughout the USA. We are one of the largest Black Wall Streets in California.”
Business owners expressed their joy about the reopening of Florin Square and shared the impact of the complex on their businesses.
“A lot of Black businesses have been shutting down in the Sacramento area. So, when Florin Square shut down, I felt terrible. Now that we are open again, I am super excited,” said Samuel Lamarr, who runs the Samuel business group.
“It was a big loss for my business after Florin Square closed. I like being here at Florin Square because the rent is affordable,” said Brigitte Muderhwa, creative director at Bijoul Creatives. “We have a Black movement here. It feels like a village.”
“I am so grateful to Mr. Donaldson for opening this space for Black businesses in the city,” said Teesha Spagner, who runs Artisan Jewelry by Teesha and has been in Florin Square for three years. “Some people are trying to get rid of our culture and art. We have to keep this space alive. This is our legacy.”
Florin Square, located on the northwest corner of Florin Road and 24th Street, is the largest collaboration of Black-owned businesses in Northern California. It includes a diverse group of retail stores, service businesses, and nonprofits. Florin Square is also home of The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Art Museum; the twice-monthly African Market Place, Digital Cafe and Lounge; and numerous community and private events.
Patricia Dumas, a patient service representative at Sutter Medical Foundation, described Florin Square as a great location to build community and expressed her excitement that the complex is being reopened.
“I am here today to support our people. Florin Square helps Black businesses grow and thrive. It is also a good location for community members to come together,” said Dumas.
Over the years, Florin Square has grown into a place of entrepreneurship, community pride, and cultural education, hosting shops, events, food stands and art that highlight Sacramento’s diversity. Even after this spring’s challenges, it continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and creativity.