Black-Owned Businesses Help Fuel Newark’s Downtown Revitalization

Author: Ron Croudy
Date: October 19, 2026

Invest Newark Holds Walking Tour During National Black Business Month

By Nicole Zanchelli

NEWARK – A group of Black-owned businesses in Downtown Newark earned their flowers Wednesday, when Invest Newark hosted a tour with Mayor Ras J. Baraka to highlight entrepreneurs helping reshape the city’s Arts & Education District and the area surrounding Harriet Tubman Square.

The Aug. 26 tour commemorated National Black Business Month, which is observed every August, and spotlighted Aulo Spa, Newark Culture Club, Legacy 27 Kitchen & Cocktail, and the three businesses in Audible’s The Pillars building: Tansy, Pooka Pure & Simple, and HealHaus.

The tour was designed not only to showcase the businesses but also to build awareness among Newark residents who may not realize the storefronts are now occupied and operating.

A group of Black-owned businesses in Downtown Newark earned their flowers Wednesday, when Invest Newark hosted a tour with Mayor Ras J. Baraka to highlight entrepreneurs helping reshape the city’s Arts & Education District and the area surrounding Harriet Tubman Square.