Murfreesboro, TN - The unveiling of the historical plaque this past Sunday (10/27/2024) afternoon at 126 South Maple Street is a beautiful way to honor the legacy of the Mink Slide, the once-thriving Black Business District in Murfreesboro. This area was a cornerstone for African American businesses and a vibrant hub for the community to come together and celebrate their rich heritage and culture.
The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County’s President Emeritus Mary Watkins recalled, “Mink Slide was a special place where families, friends, and neighbors came to support African American businesses and celebrate their rich heritage and culture.”
The plaque was placed on the wall where the Friendly Spot Restaurant once stood. The old building collapsed, and the lot was vacant for many years until Andrea and Ed Loughry built their home there. The plaque is hung beside their home’s door.
The Friendly Spot Restaurant was owned by J.D. Spann and Vernon Frazier. It was known for its Whopper Burger, milk shakes and homemade pies. Mr. Spann was the father of local community leader Dr. Gloria Bonner.
The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County has done an incredible job of preserving and sharing the history of African Americans in the area. Since its founding in 2014, the Society has been committed to discovering, preserving, teaching, and sharing this vital heritage.
President Emeritus Mary Watkins and others have worked tirelessly to ensure that the stories and contributions of these individuals are not forgotten.
Watkins noted, “The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County is committed to leaving footprints of its rich history for present and future generations by discovering, preserving, teaching, and sharing the heritage and history of African Americans.”
Main Street Murfreesboro donated the funds needed for the plaque, and that group’s Executive Director Sarah Callender said, "Part of Main Street Murfreesboro's mission is to promote the history of our downtown and those individuals in our community who worked to make it what it is today. This includes the many black-owned businesses that once were prominent around the area, now referred to as the "Mink Slide." This plaque is a beautiful way to remember the many diverse businesses once located along Maple and Vine Streets entering the area where the City of Murfreesboro Civic Plaza now stands."
For those who have memories to share about this area, especially if you can back it up with tangible items, contact The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County. It is a 501 (c)(3) organization.
