A historic Phoenix building formerly listed in the Negro Travelers’ Green Book is now being revitalized as a vital support center for Black-owned businesses. The Swindall Tourist Inn on East Washington Street, which once offered safe refuge for Black travelers during the segregation era, currently houses the Afri-Soul Education Center. Founded by Darlene Little, the center serves as a business incubator that aims to provide Black entrepreneurs with essential resources such as capital access, mentorship, and business education to overcome systemic challenges that have historically limited their longevity and success.

Darlene Little established the Afri-Soul Education Center after noticing a gap in support for Black founders in Phoenix, where many businesses struggle to survive beyond three to five years. Today, the center supports 15 to 20 Black artisans and entrepreneurs through its marketplace that features handmade goods, art, and apparel. Little emphasizes that her mission is to ensure the success of African American and BIPOC businesses by fostering a sense of shared purpose, stating, “My business is their business.” Beyond commerce, the center also champions cultural preservation and storytelling, community wellness, and youth empowerment through programs tailored for children and teenagers.

One key focus of the Afri-Soul Education Center is to break down barriers in entrepreneurial knowledge by starting business education early, teaching youth the language of business to prepare the next generation of Black founders. Through intergenerational learning initiatives and the BOSS program for youth aged 5 to 12 and teenagers, the center nurtures skills and confidence, addressing the critical need for accessible entrepreneurial development within marginalized communities. This holistic approach aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where Black-owned enterprises can thrive long term.

Looking ahead, Little is dedicated to securing permanent ownership of the building through a capital campaign, which would preserve this historic site as a Black-owned asset “forever.” Ownership would also enable the center to expand its offerings by creating affordable event spaces for small businesses to promote themselves and hold community gatherings. By transforming a symbol of safe passage during Jim Crow into a contemporary launchpad for Black economic empowerment, the Afri-Soul Education Center is preserving history while shaping a future of opportunity and growth for Black entrepreneurs in Phoenix.