For Generations, Black Entrepreneurs Have Shaped Silver Spring
For generations, African American entrepreneurs, workers, and business owners have played a crucial role in shaping Downtown Silver Spring’s identity. From historically Black neighborhoods like Lyttonsville to the thriving Black-owned business community in Fenton Village, Black residents have been instrumental in driving economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community development despite systemic barriers.
Lyttonsville & The Talbot Avenue Bridge: A Story of Resilience
A significant part of Silver Spring’s Black history is Lyttonsville, a historically African American community founded in the 1850s by Samuel Lytton, a free Black man. For over a century, Lyttonsville remained a strong Black enclave despite racial segregation, lack of infrastructure investment, and displacement.
One of Lyttonsville’s most well-known landmarks, the Talbot Avenue Bridge, was built in 1918 by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and served as a rare connection for Black residents to access jobs and businesses in segregated Silver Spring. However, in the 1970s, Montgomery County used eminent domain to seize large portions of Lyttonsville, displacing many Black families in the name of redevelopment.
Today, community-led efforts and historical preservation projects continue working to honor Lyttonsville’s legacy and ensure its contributions are never forgotten. (Evergreene Architectural Arts)
Fenton Village: A Hub for Black-Owned Businesses in Silver Spring
As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., Silver Spring has long been a center for Black entrepreneurship. Fenton Village, a thriving neighborhood adjacent to Downtown Silver Spring, is home to hundreds of small businesses, many of them Black-owned.
From Black-owned restaurants, salons, and wellness centers to independent bookstores and fitness studios, Fenton Village is a pillar of economic strength and cultural vibrancy for Silver Spring’s Black business community. This neighborhood continues to play a critical role in Montgomery County’s diverse economy, offering locals and visitors alike a way to shop small, support Black businesses, and experience the rich culture of Silver Spring.
Support Black-Owned Businesses & Celebrate Black Entrepreneurship in Silver Spring
This Black History Month, uplift Black-owned businesses that help Silver Spring thrive. Shop local in Fenton Village, Lyttonsville, and beyond:
🔹 Support Black Owned – Find restaurants, salons, and retail shops in Silver Spring.
🔹 Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce – Connect with local Black entrepreneurs and businesses in Montgomery County.
📍 Discover & shop local: Support Black Owned Directory | Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce