This database compiles information about Detroit’s historic Black business community from a variety of primary sources, such as business directories, newspaper advertisements, and community publications.

The database links people, businesses, and locations to reveal connections within the business community across time and space. This is an ongoing project, and more datasets will continue to be added.

Explore the database:

Profiles — search and filter profiles of organizations and affiliated persons by name or business activity.

Documentation — explore primary sources by keyword or date.

Locations — search by address or street name to learn what was there in the past. 

You can also explore this data by location on the corresponding interactive map.