El Paso Black Pages relaunches online directory to showcase black-owned businesses

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Black Pages is relaunching its directory online to showcase more businesses in El Paso with Black owners.

“We launched to let the Black businesses in the spotlight,” Curtis Smith said. “To let the community know that we are here, that we are capable of being professionals.”

Smith also said he hopes the spotlight will inspire Black youth.

“To shine light on the Black-owned businesses here in El Paso, so at one point they can show the Black youth that it is possible to own your own businesses.”

The relaunch on June 19 coincides with Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery.

Smith hopes the directory of businesses will help in the community in more ways than one.

"They should take away from the pages that they have an outlet,” he said. “That we provide a resource for the people in the community. That we are here.”

Smith says some Black business owners are afraid to reveal their race for fear of losing customers. He hopes they will continue to add their businesses to the directory.

“Hopefully they'll take the time out to not be afraid, to let the community of El Paso know that we are here,” he said.

The relaunch focuses specifically online. A print directory is expected to be released this summer.