Within this community, small business ownership was a significant path to economic stability and community standing.

Black-owned businesses — barber shops, beauty salons, funeral homes, pharmacies, restaurants, and yes, flower shops — served the Black community that white-owned establishments often refused to serve or served with indignity.

These businesses were embedded in the social fabric of the community in ways that white-owned businesses in white neighborhoods could not be, because the proprietors and the customers shared the same community life.

Mary Kenner’s flower shop was part of this economic world.