Missouri Valley College (MVC) is hosting “Boom! The Rise and Fall of Missouri’s Black Business District,” which is a traveling exhibition organized by the Missouri State Museum at Murrell Library on the MVC campus through February 28. The exhibition tells the story of five Black business districts throughout the state.

The exhibition interprets the history of five Black business districts throughout Missouri which include The Foot in Jefferson City, The Wedge in Hannibal, Sharp End in Columbia, Vine Street in Kansas City and The Ville in St. Louis. The business centers flourished during segregation and racism, serving as cornerstones to Black life, culture and survival during the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Integration, civil rights legislation and urban renewal caused the communities to disappear.

The aim of the exhibition is to educate Missourians about historically Black businesses and highlight the role Black Missourians have played in state and national history. The exhibition also makes relevant present day trends and demographics as they relate to the economy and politics.

Individuals looking for information on the exhibition or to arrange group visits can contact Margot Mirabal at 660-831-4181 or email her at mirabalm@moval.edu.