NewTown Macon, One World Link, and Ambitious Graphics are providing an opportunity for the public to learn about black-owned businesses in the downtown Macon area. On Saturday, February 12, the public is invited to take a free self-guided tour of black-owned businesses in downtown Macon. Tour-goers can pick up a tour map that includes 20 stops between 12:00pm and 5:00pm from Ambitious Graphics (584 Poplar Street). The tour will be self-guided so that participants can visit the stops at their own pace and maintain a safe distance.

"I want to ensure that everyone in the Macon-Bibb community is aware of the businesses that are black-owned downtown, including anyone outside of the African American community looking to support those businesses," said Wayne Woodard, co-owner of Ambitious Graphics. "This event will allow these businesses to not only showcase their products and services but also increase their revenue and clientele."

Downtown Macon is home to over 400 businesses. Of those businesses, only 11% are black-owned. Highlighting black-owned businesses helps create awareness of their products and services so that consumers can support their fellow community members. Purchasing any item at a local black-owned business not only supports Black American businesses, it is also an investment in the Macon-Bibb community.

“One World Link was awarded a Downtown Challenge grant to ensure that Black-owned businesses in our community are a major part of Macon-Bibb County’s economic growth," said Kathryn Dennis, President of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. “Technical assistance, networking opportunities, and events such as the Buy Black Tour will all be funded through this grant to support and increase the number of Black business owners in Macon’s Downtown Urban Core.”

Following the tour, a networking reception and panel discussion featuring downtown business owners will take place at Lazy Susan Tapas Bar (428 Second Street) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Featured panelists include Brandi Smith of Bluxe Beauty Bar & Salon, Brandon Harris of Nappy Hustle Clothing & Greenwood Bottom Plaza, Kim and Marshall Talley of Cheers Entertainment and Kuntry Kim Natural Products, Leigha Axom and Andria Sands of Kaviar Beauty Bar, Alex Habersham of the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages, and Matrixx of Recess Bar & Lounge and Niche 385.  Additionally, Charise Stephens of the Macon-Bibb Office of Small Business Affairs will speak about the resources Small Business Affairs offers and Ricardo Cordew and Macheita Adams with NewTown Macon will share the resources NewTown Macon offers to new and existing downtown business owners.

Tour-goers who wish to attend the panel and speaker event should arrive at Lazy Susan Tapas Bar by 5:00pm. Due to COVID-19, seating will be limited. Please register in advance for the reception and panel on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/BuyBlackMacon2022

Masks and social distancing are required at all times when participating in the tour and reception.