Entrepreneur Raphael Wright Opens Neighborhood Grocery, Ending a Decade-long Absence of Black-owned Grocers in Detroit.
In a surprising revelation, Detroit hasn’t seen a black-owned grocery store for almost ten years. But change is on the horizon, as African-American entrepreneur Raphael Wright gears up to launch ‘Neighborhood Grocery’. Located in the Jefferson Chalmers Community on Detroit’s East Side, this store isn’t just any regular grocer – it has the backing of the community. Through an innovative profit-sharing model, residents have a chance to invest in this venture, underpinning its role as a communal hub.
Orlando Bailey from Bridge Detroit recently had a candid conversation with Wright. They discussed his aspirations to furnish Detroiters with healthy food options at convenient locales. For Wright, this venture is more than just business; it’s a testament to his commitment to community development and cooperative economic models. He firmly believes that true community development is impossible without access to essential resources like food. “It’s not a mechanism, it’s not a gimmick. Every Sovereign Community has food that will sustain,” he remarked.
The last black-owned grocer in Detroit closed its doors in 2014. But why did it take so long for another to emerge? Detroit’s challenging food landscape might be a significant factor. With 70% of Detroit being food insecure, fast foods like McDonald’s and Coney Island have become more accessible than fresh groceries. Wright’s ‘Neighborhood Grocery’ aims to change this narrative.
Located just five minutes from where Wright grew up, the store will not only cater to local produce but will also feature numerous Michigan-based brands. This hyper-local focus aims to strengthen both the city and the state, underlining the essence behind its name – it’s a grocery store rooted in its neighborhood, intending to revitalize urban communities.
Source: Detroit Public TV by Stephen Henderson, American Black Journal Host