It Takes a Village: Protecting Our Black-Owned Establishments in Huntsville & North Alabama

This message was written voluntarily, inspired by a powerful picture recently posted on Facebook showing these Black-owned business owners standing together in unity. That image served as a reminder of just how important these establishments are to our community and how deeply connected they are to the culture of Huntsville and North Alabama.

In Huntsville and across North Alabama, Black-owned and operated bars, clubs, and lounges have become cornerstones for our culture. Many of these businesses are owned by Alabama A&M University alumni, employ AAMU students and graduates, and serve as gathering spaces for alumni, students, and residents from every corner of North Alabama.

Recently, the owners of these establishments came together to discuss one shared priority: safety for the community. In that meeting, every owner agreed that if an individual is banned from one establishment, they will eventually be banned from all. While this won’t happen overnight, the commitment to unity and the protection of our spaces is stronger than ever.

These owners invest significant time, money, and energy into creating businesses where our people feel comfortable, welcomed, and celebrated. Disrupting these spaces is no different than strangers walking into your home and causing chaos. These establishments exist because individuals sacrificed sleep, finances, family time, and peace of mind. All so we could have places to unwind, enjoy music, celebrate wins, and fellowship with one another.

There was a time in this city when our community didn’t have many places that felt like ours. Now we do and it is our responsibility to protect them.

There is an old saying: “It takes a village.” That village cannot place its entire dependence on law enforcement, city council members, county commissioners, mayors, sheriffs, or police chiefs.

We are the village. The village has to keep our businesses open. The village means everyone: owners, managers, bartenders, servers, DJs, security, and patrons.

Owners & Managers

Set your standard and don’t waiver. Once you drift away from your vision and let things slide, the door opens for problems. Yes, people spend money, but the moment something goes wrong, they won’t protect your business, they’ll simply go somewhere else. Stand firm in your expectations.

Bartenders & Servers

Keep the drinks flowing, keep smiling, and keep listening to the lies of the people (we know y’all hear it all, lol). Your job is tough and tips are wonderful, but never let a customer’s behavior jeopardize your bag.

DJs

You are the heartbeat of the night. You set the tone and create the mood. Your work shapes the entire energy in the room, keep using your gift to keep the vibe right.

Security

You are the unsung heroes. People trust you more than you know. You see the moods at the door before anyone else. You know the red flags before they reach the bar. Don’t escalate, deescalate. The community is counting on you.

Patrons

Respect these businesses. If you’re mad, angry, or dealing with personal problems, stay home. If you have beef with someone, keep it away from people who have nothing to do with your situation. It’s selfish, reckless, and puts everyone at risk. Pay your tabs. Stop running out on checks. Stop disputing charges because you’re being cheap. These businesses can only thrive if WE act right.

We Must Protect What We Built

We have to take care of our own and stop letting people holding the pen... The officials, reporters, and critics write the narrative for us.

No one is bigger than the program. If we truly love our people, our owners, and our culture like we say we do, then we must do everything in our power to keep these businesses open for as long as they want to serve us.

These places serve the citizens of Huntsville, students and alumni of great institutions that look like us, and countless visitors from across the region. Our businesses deserve to thrive in the greatest city, too.

A Final Word: Unity Feels Different

Watching these owners, people who some might consider competitors one one another, come together in unity for the safety and future of our community is powerful. It shows what real leadership looks like. It shows what true love for the culture looks like. And it proves that when we show up together, nothing can stop us.

Now go show your appreciation. Support these businesses. Thank the owners.

These are the places where you’ve met new people, built new friendships, networked, laughed, danced, and created memories. These spaces exist because they care about us.

Below is the list of businesses that I was told met. Go support these guys and gals.

Drive carefully. Drink responsibly. Call a rideshare. Be great. Long live 708!

with love,

Tonarius T. Gooden

4th Quarter ReVamp

Bella Momi

Blaque Cigar Lounge

Boomers 50/50

Club Forty7 Bar & Grill

Entice Bar & Grille

Envy Entertainment & Restaurant

Fox Hole Lounge

Good Times Billiards

ICON Ultra Lounge

Nash Bar & Grill

Sac’s Bar & Grill

Sands of Sahara

The Dish

The Spot Restaurant & Lounge

TRIO Bar & Grill

Vibes of Huntsville