Early Black Businesses in East Point

Black businesses were very prevalent during the years of segregation in East Point, Georgia. Many of the businesses were started out of necessity because Black citizens were not allowed to patronize White businesses, or they were often subjected to unequal and harsh treatment. By 1960, there were over 30 Black businesses including grocery stores, funeral homes, barber shops, beauty salons, home restaurants, laundry services, a youth Pony League and a semi-pro baseball team. The Black businesses in East Point not only provided goods and services, but they also provided employment and the recirculation of dollars within the Black community. The center of Black business was at the corner of Randall Street and Holcombe Avenue. Many of the businesses started in the 1920s and survived until 1965 when Urban Renewal changed the community forever with new regulations, restructuring, and more restrictive policies.

Partial listing of Black businesses 1920 - 1965.

1931 - Cox Brothers Funeral Home, 531 Holcomb Avenue.

1933 - Elijah Sim’s Barber Shop, 431 Holcomb Avenue

1935 – Businesses at Corner of Randall Street and Holcomb Avenue

Bankhead Grocery

Peyton Lyon’s Barber Shop

Ann Martin’s Beauty Shop

Bill’s Sims “weekends-only” Bar-be-que stand

Holbrook’s Shoe Repair

Tommy Alexander’s Restaurant

Charlie Nixon’s Grocery

Circa 1930 - Miss Lynn Mobley sold candy, tobacco and soda-pop from her home

Circa 1930 to 1970 - Ms. Jimmie Lou Tucker had a home laundry business

1950s – O.J. Hurd’s Friendly People Bus Line

Circa 1940 -1960 – Entertainment establishments included the Squeeze In, J.B. Bailey’s, The Zanzibar, and Dyer’s Place, which later changed to Lucy’s

For more information please visit the East Point Historical Society

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