518 Black Restaurant Week (2024) Begins

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — While the heat is outside in Albany it’s also in the kitchen of Johnnie’s on Broadway. Jamila Adams has owned the joint for eight years.

“I grew up in Albany, and to see where black businesses are now and how the community responds to business now, I'm inspired," said Adams.

Johnnie’s is one of several restaurants participating in the annual 518 Black Restaurant Week, highlighting local black-owned eateries during the week of Juneteenth. Supporters say the goal is to help expand reach and equity in the community.

“A lot of our black-owned businesses sometimes struggle with having access to Capital — being able to promote their businesses to be able to get people in — so often they close. And, so, what this initiative does is ensure that we are spotlighting those businesses. So, this is great for our economy," said Dorcey Applyrs, Albany's Chief City Auditor.

“I'm very intentional about making sure that my dollar goes back to support as many black and brown businesses because I understand that clearly there has always been an inequity when it comes to creating our own sense of social mobility. To lead toward homeownership, to be able to send some of our kids to the best schools,” said Alfredo Medina Jr, Vice President of Diversity Equity & Inclusion at Bennington College.

Deshanna C. Wiggins head of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce has a vision for expansion. “...To take it and not just be a local thing but a regional representation, even turn it into a festival of sorts where we get all the businesses together to be able to publicize that” Wiggins envisioned.

For now, Adams hopes this week can highlight a more positive picture of Albany. "There's always this narrative that this is what's going on with the violence and the crime but they don't show the positive things," said Adams. "We're changing the narrative. We're changing the narrative!" she proclaimed.

Johnnie's on Broadway has a full schedule of events this week ranging from Pride Night to a trolley ride from her restaurant. 518 black Restaurant Week continues through Sunday.