5 Key Milwaukee Black-Owned Businesses We Should Be Supporting

By Rick Banks

1. Columbia Savings & Loan Association

      Photo by Meredith Melland

Opened in 1924, Columbia Savings & Loan Association is Wisconsin’s only surviving Black-owned financial institution. The business was founded by Wilbur Halyard and Ardie Clark Halyard to help Black Milwaukeeans secure home loans at a time when most banks openly discriminated against Black borrowers, while redlining and racial covenants severely limited pathways to homeownership.

Today, Columbia offers savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and certificates of deposit (CDs), making it an excellent place to store money you don’t plan to touch for a while. Those deposits can then support community members looking to purchase homes in Milwaukee neighborhoods.

Visit in person at 2020 W. Fond du Lac Ave. to open an account or apply for a mortgage.

2. Sherman Park Grocery

Photo by Trisha Young

Founded in 2022 by Maurice Wince, Sherman Park Grocery is currently Wisconsin’s only Black-owned mid-sized grocery store.

The store provides fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables to the Sherman Park neighborhood, where many residents face limited grocery access and food insecurity. At a time when many communities are losing access to fresh food options, neighborhood grocery stores like this are critical infrastructure.

Due to cuts in federal FoodShare funding and the general challenges of operating an independent grocery business, the store has faced financial strain and needs a steady flow of customers to remain open.

Stop by 4315 W. Fond du Lac Ave. to pick up ingredients for your next meal.

3. BP Gas Station at 8th & Atkinson

         Photo by Always Good LLC

Though the gas station has changed ownership over the years, it remains Wisconsin’s only Black-owned gas station.

Currently operated by Sonia Nash and Marvin Nash, the BP at 807 W. Atkinson Ave. continues more than 30 years of Black ownership of critical neighborhood infrastructure.

The station is also known for regular community givebacks, including free gas events that often draw lines stretching down the block. In addition, the location is home to Big Back Kitchen, where patrons can grab barbecue and other comfort food.

4. Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum

Photo by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

While technically not a business, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum has been a cornerstone institution in Black Milwaukee since its founding in 1987 by Dr. Clayborn Benson.

The museum hosts Milwaukee’s largest Kwanzaa celebration and regularly serves as a venue for community convenings, historical education, and civic dialogue.

In recent years, the institution has faced declining financial support from the State of Wisconsin.

There are two key ways to support:

1. Become a donating member through

   WBHSM website

2. Contact your state legislators and advocate for stronger funding for historical and cultural institutions like WBHSM.

5. 5 Points Art Gallery & Studios

Photo by Kevin Bulluck

The youngest institution on this list, 5 Points Art Gallery & Studios was founded in 2019 by Milwaukee artist Fatima Laster.

Located just blocks from Laster’s childhood home, the gallery has hosted numerous emerging Milwaukee artists in residence, providing space to display and sell visual art, fashion, and creative work.

In 2025, the gallery faced a major financial threat after receiving notice of a large balloon payment due that risked foreclosure. Fortunately, the community rallied in support and helped stabilize the business.

You can help ensure the gallery’s long-term sustainability by purchasing merchandise or artwork and/or making a donation by visiting: 5 Points Art Gallery website or stop by 3514 N. Port Washington Ave.

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Did we get any facts wrong? Let us know at contact@mkeblack.org