The hum of a sewing machine, the smooth glide of skates on a polished rink, and the quiet dignity of a final farewell. These simple yet powerful sounds reflect Detroit’s broader Black entrepreneurial spirit, where legacy and community endure across generations. These are more than sounds or moments in Detroit—they are echoes of legacy. Generations of Black Detroiters have held fast to the principles of ownership, community, and perseverance, and nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s Black generational businesses. Hot Sam’s, RollerCade, and Swanson Funeral Home are much more than mere establishments; they are pillars that continue to shape the community through decades of unwavering commitment.
Lauren Stovall knows this legacy well. Her role extends beyond the family business as she actively works to preserve and support other generational businesses in Detroit through various initiatives. As the daughter of Tony Stovall, co-owner of Hot Sam’s, she speaks about her family’s business with a reverence that goes beyond profit margins. “When I consider being a generational business, I think of legacy and a continuation of preserving what has been started from values and traditions to history and the mission within the business,” she said. “I think of one passed on and running over into the other. I think of deep wells of wisdom and stories to impart that transcend time. I think of deep roots that have been cultivated for such a time as now that every trial and tribulation of the past has proven to be useful for the present and the roots are fortified to withstand.”
That deep-rooted connection to the past is woven into the fabric of Hot Sam’s. Established in 1921 and later purchased in 1994 by two determined employees, Tony Stovall and Cliff Green, Hot Sam’s holds the distinction of being the oldest men’s clothing store in downtown Detroit. The store has provided more than fashion; it has instilled pride, outfitting generations of Black men for life’s milestones—from first job interviews to Sunday services. Lauren’s work extends beyond her family business through the Detroit Legacy Business Project in collaboration with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). She sees these generational businesses as “legacy businesses which are rich businesses, not in the sense of always financial wealth but more so being an invaluable asset that is fruitful in its significance and relevance to the city and the community.”
The imprint of Detroit’s Black generational businesses can also be traced across the polished floors of RollerCade. Roller-skating has long held cultural significance in Black Detroit, serving as a space of joy, expression, and community connection through decades of social change. Established in 1955 by Leroy and Johnnie Mae Folks, the rink emerged during a time when Black families faced exclusion from many recreational spaces. RollerCade was more than an entertainment venue; it became a sanctuary of joy and resilience. The rink remains one of the oldest continually operating Black-owned roller-skating rinks in the United States. Its history is deeply tied to Detroit’s southwest side, where many Black families settled during the Great Migration, drawn by opportunities at the Ford Rouge Plant.
Kyle Black, the third-generation owner who took the reins in 2012, understands the weight of his inheritance. RollerCade has always been a place where music, movement, and community converge. Detroiters from all walks of life have found solace and celebration there, whether gliding to Motown hits in the ’60s or vibing to contemporary beats today. The rink’s cultural significance is undeniable—legends like The Supremes and The Temptations once skated these floors, joining neighborhood kids whose families have supported RollerCade for generations.
“Being a generational business owner in Detroit means the world to me,” shared Black. “I take pride and being someone to continue carrying the flag not only for RollerCade into the next generation but for the city of Detroit to continue to be a place that generations can come and have a good time. I think it’s important for business owners, especially in Detroit to continue their efforts because it gives us a chance to increase the wealth of our lineage. This gives a head start to the generations that are next to come.”
The continuity seen at Hot Sam’s and RollerCade finds a solemn yet equally significant parallel in Swanson Funeral Home. These businesses complement each other in the ways they serve and uplift the community, providing spaces of pride, joy, and comfort across generations. Founded in 1958 by Dr. O’Neil D. Swanson, the funeral home has long served as a trusted guardian during moments of profound loss. Dr. Swanson’s commitment to the community transcended his business. As a founding director of First Independence Bank and a generous supporter of local institutions like Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, he understood that legacy extends beyond individual success. His children, Linda Swanson, Kimberly Swanson Thomas, and O’Neil D. Swanson II, now uphold that mission.
The Swanson family has provided final rites for some of Detroit’s most prominent figures, including Rosa Parks, Aretha Franklin, and Congressman John Conyers Jr. Yet, the true measure of their impact lies in their service to everyday Detroiters. The dignity they offer speaks to a larger truth about the city’s Black generational businesses: these enterprises have always been about more than transactions. They are about community, continuity, and the enduring power of self-determination.
“O’Neil D. Swanson didn’t just organize and operate Swanson Funeral Homes, Inc, he had an insatiable drive to enhance the lives of others,” said Linda Swanson. “So, it is with gratitude, purpose and enthusiasm that my family and I are motivated each day by the desire to continue the legacy of our father’s unselfish giving. For over sixty years the Swanson Foundation has provided educational opportunities through scholarships, cultural exposure for young people and support for the metropolitan Detroit community in countless ways.”
These three businesses illustrate the broader narrative of Black entrepreneurship in Detroit. The challenges of systemic racism, economic downturns, and shifting urban landscapes have tested their resolve. Still, their survival and success underscore a collective commitment to community upliftment. This generational continuity carries lessons for the city’s future.
Lauren Stovall’s advocacy through the Detroit Legacy Business Project signals a growing recognition of these enterprises’ importance. The initiative aims to support other longstanding Black-owned businesses, ensuring that their contributions remain recognized and preserved. She sees the value not just in the historical significance of these businesses but in their present and future relevance.
“It’s about fortifying the roots that have been cultivated through trials and triumphs,” Lauren explained. “These businesses are not just surviving; they are anchoring our community with a richness that money can’t quantify.”
Detroit’s generational businesses mirror the city’s broader narrative of resilience and ingenuity. For example, during the economic downturn of the 2000s, these businesses adapted and persevered, continuing to serve the community despite widespread closures. Hot Sam’s embodies a spirit of ambition and style that speaks to the pride of Black Detroiters. RollerCade stands as a testament to the enduring nature of joy and community, even in the face of historical adversity. Swanson Funeral Home represents the profound care and respect that defines Detroit’s communal ethos.
Black Detroit has always understood that legacy is not merely inherited; it is cultivated through persistent effort and an unyielding belief in the future. As the torch passes from one generation to the next, the lessons embedded in these businesses remain clear. Success is not solely defined by profit but by the impact on people—the style instilled, the joy shared, and the dignity preserved.
“It is for us a tremendous point of joy and pride to continue this tradition,” Swanson said. “Doing so advances people, organizations and the causes that empower us as a community, making it possible for us to move forward and upward together. Preserving and protecting our history and our culture is the greatest gift we can give to generations yet unborn.”
Detroit’s Black generational business owners have given the city more than services or products. They have provided tangible examples of what it means to build with intention, to serve with integrity, and to pass down a legacy rooted in love for the community. The sounds of sewing machines, skating wheels, and quiet prayers will continue to resonate through Detroit, not as mere echoes but as enduring reminders of what it means to invest in each other, generation after generation.
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