Written by: Alejandro Pineda Catalan

Celebrating Black History Month, we wanted to spotlight a Black-owned development that is helping the community. We wanted to mention Angel Gregorio turning a 7,500-square-foot lot into a strip mall dedicated to black-owned businesses. 

Washington, D.C., is a well-populated city. In the past years, crime and violence have risen considerably. There have been reductions in government support with cuts in educational funding, city maintenance, and medical services. On top of that, D.C. residents and entrepreneurs have struggled with increased property prices. When lacking major social services and facilities, we often need support from commercial improvements to coincide with inflation. Gregorio thought of that as she expanded her spice business, Spice Suite, and created opportunities for women like her. 

Angel purchased a one-million-dollar property and began construction in Langdon, D.C. She named this space “Black and Forth” and thought of the name regarding how she could continue to make a difference. She spoke on how the name was a great fit since her business model went back and forth with her tenants, who have played a considerable role in the business plan. Gregorio not only wanted to create an innovative space but create a business model that was unique and cost-effective. The tenants have cheaper rental costs as the whole unit utilizes the same workers who help with each shop.    

Angel has advanced careers while also developing her design with shipping containers that cut costs. She took old containers that typically went unused and repurposed them for the building spaces. Innovative, brilliant, and an outright motivator to her community, Angel doesn’t plan on stopping. Washington, D.C., is her home, but she plans to branch out and operate more comprehensively. We may see Black and Forth become a staple in America and an inspiration to people of color worldwide.

While Black and Forth’s soft opening was in January, Angel and Black and Forth also deserve recognition in February. Risk-takers such as herself should be admired and celebrated. Angel Gregorio began her career breaking barriers and will continue to do so while putting a creative spin on her ideas. What once was a tow company building is now an eye-catching infrastructure in the heart of Ward 5 in D.C. That speaks volumes about how one person’s dreams can turn into the reality they make.

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