New Haven, CT — On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the 4th Annual Black Wall Street Festival will unfold on the historic New Haven Green from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., promising an expansive celebration of Black and Brown entrepreneurship, entertainment, and community pride.New Haven RegisterConnecticut Public
What began in 2022 with just 35 vendors at Temple Street Plaza has transformed into a major event: in 2023 there were over 150 businesses, and by 2024, 200 entrepreneurs participated, drawing around 10,000 attendees. This year, organizers anticipate more than 250 Black- and Brown-owned businesses and organizations, with vendors traveling from as far afield as Texas and New Jersey.
The festival is a joint initiative between The Breed Entertainment—co-founded by New Haven natives Aaron “Y‑A” Rogers and Rashad “Snacks” Johnson—and the City of New Haven, bolstered by local leadership including Mayor Justin Elicker and Thabisa Rich from the Office of Cultural Affairs.
The week leading up to the festival is packed with community-driven events:
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The Grand Opening of Skiro Studios, hosted by The Breed Entertainment.
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The “Audacity to Build” Economic Empowerment Summit, targeted at civic engagement and entrepreneurship.
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The Black Wall Street Entrepreneur Party at the Canal Dock Boathouse.
Rogers and Johnson emphasized the festival’s purpose: “We just want people to come out and spend money” at these businesses. Johnson admitted, “I could lie and say yes, but no”—he never expected this kind of rapid growth, yet each year the momentum continues to build.
Mayor Elicker highlighted the broader impact: that buying from local businesses keeps money circulating within the community. Festival participants like Alisha Crutchfield—owner of Bloom in Westville and member of the Cultural Affairs Commission—echoed this sentiment: “Let’s support Black Wall Street … multiple streams of support matter. Let’s all smile and have a good time.”
