Discover Local History: 'Did You Know? Columbia’s Black Wall Street' Documentary Set to Premiere on June 19

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The City of Columbia is preparing to release a documentary titled “Did You Know? Columbia’s Black Wall Street.” This film, produced by the Office of Business Opportunities, explores the history of the influential Black Business District in Columbia, SC. It highlights the district's heritage and its role during the pandemic, celebrating the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the area.

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann has praised the documentary for highlighting the legacy of the Historic Black Business District and the spirit of its community. The film honors the district's founders and invites viewers to recognize and celebrate this important part of Columbia’s history.

The project was proposed in 2021 by Deon Generette, a Johnsonville, SC native and University of South Carolina graduate. Generette, an Iraqi War Veteran, aimed to document the stories and achievements of the district, often called “Columbia’s Black Wall Street.”

The documentary is narrated by Dr. Bobby Donaldson, director of the University of South Carolina’s Center of Civil Rights History and Research. It covers the district's history and pays tribute to notable figures like Elise Martin, who was 108 during filming, and other key businesses and individuals from the 1920s and 1930s.