Creating Space for Black Culture on State Street
It’s not unknown that Madison, Wisconsin’s Black community doesn’t always feel welcomed on State Street, so Ashley Moseberry founded Black on State to empower her community to reclaim Downtown Madison.
Black on State focuses on community, creativity, and economic equity by creating spaces for Black and minority creatives and entrepreneurs to be supported and feel safe. Moseberry said she was being rebellious against those pushing Black creativity out of Downtown Madison.
“It’s kind of like a take back…it’s very intentional. [We’re] redefining where people think Black people are supposed to be in Madison.” – Ashley Moseberry
Black on State has gone through three name changes since 2020 because Moseberry wanted the name to match the focus of the business. According to the site, “State Street often represents the city’s core—where decisions are made, businesses thrive, and influence flows. Black on State is our answer to spaces that have historically excluded us—a reclamation of space, culture, and opportunity.’”…