Trailblazers in Black Hotel Ownership: Crafting Community Havens

Throughout American history, Black entrepreneurs have been pivotal in the hospitality scene, breaking barriers to create welcoming spaces for Black travelers. From the late 19th century through the Civil Rights Movement, these trailblazers built hotels that offered more than just a place to rest—they became economic and cultural lifelines for their communities.

The Emergence of Black-Owned Hotels

During the Reconstruction era (1865–1877), Black business owners began establishing hotels to cater to African American travelers who were shut out of white-owned establishments. As segregation laws tightened during the Jim Crow era, the demand for Black-owned accommodations surged, leading to the rise of influential Black hoteliers who left an indelible mark on the industry.

Pioneering Black Hotel Owners

1. Robert Reed Church (1839–1912) – A former enslaved businessman from Memphis, Church became one of the first Black millionaires in the South. He invested in real estate and built the renowned Church's Park and Auditorium, which housed a hotel and served as a cultural hub for the Black community.

2. Alonzo Herndon (1858–1927) – Once enslaved, Herndon became a successful businessman in Atlanta, founding the Crystal Palace, a premier Black-owned hotel offering luxury to African American guests.

3. Curly and Annie Neal – Owners of the Mountain View Hotel in Tucson, Arizona, a crucial resting place for Black travelers in the Southwest during segregation.

4. Charles and Louisia Henry – Owners of Henry’s Colored Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, providing a safe and comfortable space for Black vacationers.

5. Gus Allen – A Galveston, Texas, entrepreneur who owned several businesses, including the Gus Allen Café and Gus Allen’s Hotel, serving Black travelers in the region.

6. Eugene Fred Young, Jr. – A beauty entrepreneur who opened the E.F. Young, Jr. Hotel in Meridian, Mississippi, in 1946, ensuring Black guests had dignified accommodations.

7. The Bay Shore Hotel (Hampton, VA) – A top Black-owned resort, it was a prime destination for Black travelers seeking leisure and entertainment.

8. The Stratford Hotel (Tulsa, OK) – A thriving hotel established by J.B. Stratford in Tulsa’s Black Wall Street before it was destroyed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

Hotels as Civil Rights and Cultural Centers

Beyond lodging, Black-owned hotels were vital meeting places for political leaders, entertainers, and activists. Many hosted civil rights gatherings, economic conferences, and performances by legendary Black musicians who were barred from white-owned hotels.

The Decline and Revival of Black Hotel Ownership

After the Civil Rights Act of 1964, desegregation allowed Black travelers to stay in mainstream hotels, leading to the decline of many Black-owned establishments. However, there's a renewed push for Black ownership in hospitality today.

Modern Black entrepreneurs like Robert Johnson (RLJ Trust) and Sheila Johnson (Salamander Hotels & Resorts) are reviving Black presence in the hotel industry, acquiring luxury properties and fostering opportunities for future Black hoteliers.

Organizations like the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD) and initiatives like Stay Black Experience are working to revive Black hotel ownership and ensure economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in hospitality.

Honoring the Legacy and Supporting Black-Owned Hotels Today

The legacy of these pioneering Black hotel owners continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. By supporting Black-owned hotels and businesses, we help sustain the vision of economic empowerment and community upliftment that these early hoteliers championed.

How You Can Make an Impact

- Stay at Black-owned hotels – Use directories like Stay Black Experience to find accommodations.

- Invest in Black-owned businesses – Support ventures that empower Black entrepreneurs in hospitality.

- Share their stories – Amplify the contributions of Black hoteliers in history and today.

Join the Conversation

Have you stayed at a historic Black-owned hotel, or do you know of any modern Black-owned hospitality businesses making an impact? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

See you on the 5th :)

Davonne Reaves is a powerhouse serial entrepreneur. On the 5th and 28th of each month she shares articles on hotel ownership, crowdfunding, life and more. Her journey to successful business owner began when she founded The Vonne Group, the company for hotel consulting and asset management. On top of that, Davonne is a co-owner of three hotels, founding and leading her very own innovative commercial real estate crowdfunding platform called Vesterr and co-hosting hospitality podcast NextGen in Lodging. As tireless leader and mother of her son Jamir, it should come as no surprise she often finds exciting opportunities in hospitality.

Every month, she chooses two key dates to keep her readers happy: the 5th and 28th. On these general occasions, she delves into a variety of topics related to living life, such as tips for owning a hotel, different crowdfunding options, and lifestyle advice.

Do you need to raise capital for your next hotel or CRE project? Visit www.Vesterr.com

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