A mural painted in the Fort Worth area highlights the past and present of black businesses

A mural titled Black Business Impact is in the process of being painted on a building between Fort Worth’s Stop 6 and Meadowbrook.

“I just started mentally visualizing the design,” said artist Armando Castelon. “I’m all for diversity and that’s why I think it’s just one of those murals that just touches on that.”

The mural occupies the entire wall on the side of a building on Yeager Street called community linewhich houses several black-owned businesses and a non-profit organization that helps black and brown businesses connect and succeed.

“We call it the Yeager experience,” said Dante Williams. “It’s important to really show the impact that … black business and the black economy have had on the city.”

The mural depicts black banker Bill Gooseneck McDonald and black hospital owners Dr. Ransome and his wife, Ethel. It depicts the first black landowner in 1886, Amanda Davis, and the black businesses that helped shape the neighborhood. The mural also features the current black owners of the business.

“Because sometimes it’s an afterthought. It didn’t really come up seriously,” Williams said. “We felt it would be a great way to really highlight some of the successes, some of the pioneers and people who have really done a lot for the city.”

“Just start a conversation,” Castelon said. “Motivate younger generations to be inspired and really do something.”

Unity between all is one of the messages of the mural.

“If we do this together and work together, we can really build and improve our communities,” Williams said.

fresco in community line It is expected to be presented at the celebration on February 25th.