February 4th 2025.
Fayetteville, Georgia recently made history by opening its very first Black-owned shopping plaza. The proud owners, Winchel and Felicia Elibert, shared that the building is already fully leased out. This exciting news was reported by Fox 5, who sat down with the seasoned entrepreneurs to discuss their journey to success.
The Eliberts opened Kingdom Corners in November, which also happens to be Black History Month. They couldn't be happier with the overwhelming support they have received from the local community and Metro Atlanta patrons. This new plaza boasts a diverse range of businesses, making it a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs.
But this achievement did not come easy. The Eliberts faced many challenges during the development phase, which took years to complete. Being Haitian immigrants, they encountered racism and struggled with funding issues. Felicia shared that they believe discrimination from lenders was the biggest hurdle that delayed their progress. However, they refused to give up on their dream and remained dedicated to making it a reality.
In an interview with the news outlet, Felicia shared, "Even with just financing, dealing with developers and contractors, prices changed … banks said 'no,' banks said 'no,' and banks continued to say 'no.' But we didn't let that discourage us. We want the next generation to see that they can do it too, and to never give up."
Their perseverance paid off, and now Kingdom Corners stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the local community. The plaza not only caters to well-known restaurant franchises and nail salons but also provides a platform for smaller, lesser-known brands to take off.
Felicia expressed her excitement about the positive impact their business will have on the community, saying, "When we started this journey, we weren't really thinking about what it could mean for our community. But now, we realize the importance of it, and we want to use this platform to uplift and inspire others."
Their efforts are even more significant in light of recent cutbacks to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the country. As America continues to face setbacks for minority-owned businesses, the Eliberts' local initiative is keeping the dream alive for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, the opening of Kingdom Corners is a monumental achievement for the city of Fayetteville, Georgia, and the Black community. It serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. And as the Eliberts continue to inspire and uplift others, they are also making history and leaving a lasting impact on their community.
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