01/05/2026
I would love to have something like this for small businesses. It would have the esthetics of Crate and Barrel and Target. Especially, since many of us ain't in Target.
Angel Gregorio, a visionary entrepreneur and Howard University alum, has made a groundbreaking impact on Washington, D.C.’s business landscape with the launch of Black and Forth — the city’s first Black-owned shopping center dedicated to supporting local small businesses. After purchasing and redeveloping a 7,500-square-foot property in the Langdon neighborhood, Gregorio transformed the space into a vibrant, community-centered retail hub. Built using repurposed shipping containers, the center provides affordable storefronts for a range of women-led businesses, including salons, boutiques, and pop-up shops. Gregorio’s initiative is more than just a retail space; it’s a catalyst for opportunity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, offering a platform for local entrepreneurs to thrive while fostering a sense of community growth. Today, Black and Forth stands as a testament to Gregorio’s dedication to uplifting small businesses and creating a legacy of empowerment, demonstrating how entrepreneurial spirit can shape a city’s future.
