Black-owned businesses, creatives, and professionals are getting an even bigger stage in 2025, thanks to a partnership between Live Nation Urban and Black on the Block. The collaboration will take the celebrated vendor festival to seven cities throughout the year, officially launching on March 23 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Founded in June 2021 in Los Angeles by sisters Lanie and Char Edwards, Black on the Block has quickly become a cultural hub for entrepreneurship, artistry, and community engagement. The festival highlights over 100 Black-owned businesses, spanning industries like fashion, jewelry, skincare, technology, and art, while also featuring food vendors, dance battles, gaming zones, and live performances. Beyond the festival experience, the brand’s nonprofit initiative, Black on the Block Community Outreach, provides grants, training, and funding to empower Black entrepreneurs for long-term success.
This partnership with Live Nation Urban, a powerhouse in live entertainment and media, marks a major milestone. With their backing, Black on the Block can expand its reach, creating more spaces where Black businesses can flourish and connect with broader audiences.
“Part of the ethos of Live Nation Urban has always been identifying and empowering Black founders and their brands, as evidenced by our many partnerships with brands like Broccoli City Festival, ONE Music Fest, and others,” said Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban. “Lanie and Char have built a phenomenal, purpose-driven brand that holds a unique place in the live event ecosystem. They’ve been able to use live events to build true economic opportunity for so many small businesses while at the same time providing a fun and uplifting environment for their community. Our goal is to pour into them and allow the world to benefit from their vision.”
Lanie and Char Edwards echoed the excitement, emphasizing how this expansion is a collective win for vendors, attendees, and Black entrepreneurs.
“The partnership with Live Nation Urban is a collective win for our entire community—vendors, attendees, and Black on the Block alike,” the Edwards sisters shared. “Together, we’re harnessing Live Nation Urban’s resources and expertise to expand into new markets, creating spaces where small Black-owned businesses can thrive and where attendees can consistently celebrate Black joy while shopping with local entrepreneurs and circulating the Black dollar.”
Black on the Block has already earned support from major artists like Chance the Rapper, Keke Palmer, Omarion, Tinashe, and Romeo Miller, with past performances by Sevyn Streeter, Durand Bernarr, LaRussell, Kiana Ledé, and DVSN. Major brands such as Disney, NBC, Amazon Prime, Smirnoff, Walmart, AT&T, and Hulu have also collaborated with the festival, bringing exclusive activations to attendees.
In 2025, the festival will return to Los Angeles for a special Juneteenth celebration, while also launching in Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Washington D.C., and Charlotte. Each stop will continue Black on the Block’s mission to uplift and amplify Black entrepreneurship, creativity, and community growth.
2025 Black on the Block Festival Tour Stops:
- Arlington, Texas (March 23, 2025)
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Houston, Texas
- Los Angeles, California (Juneteenth Festival)
- Detroit, Michigan
- Washington, D.C.
- Charlotte, North Carolina
For more information and festival details, visit blackxtheblock.com.
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