Fire Damages SF Black Wall Street’s
New Nineteen-21 Lounge in Bayview
Organization to Launch Recovery
Campaign at Bayview Night Market
San Francisco, CA — SF Black Wall Street (SFBWS), a leading voice for Black economic empowerment and cultural preservation in San Francisco, is launching a public recovery and fundraising campaign following a devastating fire on June 11 that damaged its recently opened Nineteen-21 Lounge.
The recovery campaign will officially be announced at the Bayview Night Market: The Black Outside Ball on Friday, June 27 at Third & Yosemite in the Bayview.
WHAT: SF Black Wall Street’s Launch of Recovery Campaign for Nineteen-21 Lounge at Black Outside Ball & Night Market—an outdoor night market
WHO: Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisor Shamann Walton, SF Black Wall Street Leaders Tinisch Hollins, Gwen Brown and Kenya Boddie-Austin
WHEN: Friday, June 27, 5 to 9pm, Program at 6pm
WHERE: Third Street & Yosemite Ave, San Francisco
Entertainment: Live performances by B-Legit – Bay Area rap royalty, Afterthought & The Top Chefs– the City’s finest, Keke Wyatt – the R&B vocal powerhouse; Classic Carshow; and food and retail vendors
Founded in June 2020, SF Black Wall Street emerged in response to the disproportionate economic impact of COVID-19 on San Francisco’s Black community, as well as longstanding disinvestment in Black cultural and commercial corridors. The organization was established to preserve Black ownership, culture, and excellence. In 2021, SFBWS launched its nonprofit foundation to formalize this mission and ensure Black San Franciscans were fully included in the City’s recovery.
One of their most recent projects was the Nineteen-21 Lounge, which opened in February 2025 during Black History Month. Located in a historic site that has been a Black owned music and entertainment venue for over 40 years, the private, members-only co-working and cultural space is designed to serve Black entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders. Named in remembrance of the 1921 Tulsa Black Wall Street massacre, the Lounge stood as a symbol of resilience and economic sovereignty.
The Nineteen-21 Lounge had just been getting started, and then on June 11, there was a fire at an adjacent property that caused significant water and smoke damage to the Lounge, forcing it to close indefinitely. The fire is actively under investigation by the San Francisco Fire Department.
“Nineteen-21 Lounge was more than just a building—it was a home to support our community’s creativity, collaboration, and culture,” said Tinisch Hollins, Co-Founder and Co-Director of SF Black Wall Street. “The news of the fire was heartbreaking, but what we’ve seen in the aftermath is a powerful reminder: our community shows up. And with their continued support, we will rise again.”
Despite this loss, SF Black Wall Street remains committed to its mission. This Friday’s Black Outside Ball is the final event funded through their partnership with the Civic Joy Fund, and will serve as both a joyful celebration and a rallying point for community solidarity and fundraising.
“The loss of Nineteen-21 Lounge has been a heavy blow, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure its closure is temporary,” said Gwen Brown, Co-Founder and Co-Director. “We’re definitely not done. We are rebuilding—not just the space, but a stronger foundation for Black San Franciscans to thrive.”
Even through this recent tragic news, SFBWS plans to continue to regularly host events in San Francisco through their work of activating public spaces, supporting local businesses, and creating safe, joyful celebrations of Black culture.
How to Support:
At the June 27 event, SF Black Wall Street will launch a campaign to support the recovery and reopening of Nineteen-21 Lounge and the continuation of their critical programs. Community members and supporters can help by:
- Donating to the recovery campaign (details to be announced at the event)
- Sharing SF Black Wall Street’s story and mission with others
- Engaging in upcoming events and programs to keep the momentum going
For media inquiries, interviews, or more information about SF Black Wall Street, please contact: Tinisch Hollins, tinisch@sfbwsfoundation.org.
