6 Black-Owned Businesses Open In Aurora

AURORA, IL — As part of Aurora's slew of Black History Month celebrations, known as "Aurora in Black," city officials celebrated six new Black-owned businesses that opened at Fox Valley Mall.

More than 150 people gathered at the mall, located at 195 Fox Valley Court, on Feb. 26 to celebrate the business owners in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, titled "Minding My Black-Owned Business," led by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin.

Here is an overview of new stores:

• Family Means Forever: Clothing store selling pieces that represent the foundation of family
• Laptops Sales and Repair: One-stop shop for laptop needs, including repairs and purchases
• New Drip Boutique: Trendy boutique for women
• Nine6teen Boutique: Women's boutique focusing on quality over trends
• Signature Cuts: Full-service salon for men, women and children
• Thingamajiggz: Virtual reality showroom

Of the six businesses, three are owned by millennials, two are owned by women, and one is LGBTQ-owned.

During the event, which started at 10 a.m., Irvin presented each business owner with an award and led a group countdown ahead of a collective ribbon cutting. After, another ribbon was cut at each business.

"Today with these six Black-owned business openings [show] that Aurora recognizes and represents all of our cultures," Irvin said during a speech Saturday. "We make sure that we show what Black excellence is, and these six businesses represent that."