Columbus’ generational Black-owned businesses

Published March 24, 2022 at 5:15 AM EDT

Former E. E. Ward owner Eldon Ward stands in front of a company truck. E.E. Ward Moving and Storage is the oldest black-owned company in the U.S., dating back to the 1840's. The Columbus-based company provides local and interstate moving and storage services to residential, government and corporate customers.

Some of America’s longest running Black-owned businesses call Columbus, Ohio home. We’re taking a look at the history of Black-owned businesses in the city and around the country, as well as where the community of businesses stands now.

GUESTS:

Erica Thompson, reporter for The Columbus Dispatch
Brian Brooks, president and owner of E.E. Ward Moving and Storage
Deonna Barnett, Founder, CEO, and managing consultant, Aventi Enterprises LLC
J. Averi Frost, Executive Director of the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce

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