Influential names in Seattle's Black business community gathered at Byrd Barr Place for Africatown Community Land Trust’s Building Black Wall Street Mixer and Chat. Hosted by Debrena Jackson Gandy and keynoted by Lewis Rudd of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, the event included a panel of successful Black entrepreneurs.

There was also a panel filled with distinguished Black business owners, including Veronica Very of Wonder of Women International, Damon Bomar of Communion R&B, Rodney Hines of Metiér Brewing Company, and Monika C. Mathews of QueenCare Products — and was moderated, by TV personality Jay Martin Jr. from PBS. The panelists all shared parts of their business journey, especially when it comes to the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, as well as advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Let’s look back at what happened last week at Byrd Barr Place, during the Building Black Wall Street Mixer and Chat.

Part of the Summer of Soul Series, the event celebrated Black culture and business. Learn more at africatownlandtrust.org.

See more photos by Jordan Somners on behalf of Converge Media below.