Right here at the corner of 47th and Greenwood, we find a vibrant piece of art. It’s the Afrofuturistic mural featuring the life of George Washington Carver. This is part of the Carver 47 Food and Wellness Market. It pays homage to the great inventor and scientist.
Carver 47 is more than just a cafe. It is a work of art and a history lesson. The Carver 47 Food and Wellness Market is a gem. It sits within the Little Black Pearl Arts Organization. It is a tribute to George Washington Carver and Black farmers of the rural South. The Little Black Pearl Art and Design Academy is a Level 1 high school. It focuses on art and design.
As you can see, the mural depicts Carver’s life journey. It takes us from his farming beginnings in Kentucky. Then we see him as a scientist and educator at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Inside Carver 47, images of Carver are displayed. They are in the style of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych silkscreen painting. You will find photos of Carver and the farmers. Books rest on wood shelves. Plant grow boxes and a large wooden cart fill the space. There is also a table full of goodies, flowers, and items for the home. A glitzy light installation covers the space.
On the Greenwood side, there is an intimate outdoor patio. It doubles as a growing garden. Here, they grow organic ingredients for their meals.
Monica Haslip, a Southside business leader, and chef Lizz Wright collaborated here. Haslip is the founder of the Little Black Pearl. Carver 47 was launched initially in 2017. The goal of Carver 47 is to expose visitors to the history of Dr. Carver.
Haslip and Wright wanted Carver 47 to be more. They wanted it to be a space where people could learn about the contributions of Black individuals. These contributions were made to society over the centuries. They focused specifically within the United States. Chef Lizz Wright aims to promote the wellbeing of the Bronzeville community. They do this by supporting local farms and family businesses.
The interior is a mix of a greenhouse, gift shop, and cafe. Lush plants fill every corner. A mix of light fixtures hangs from the ceiling. An interesting black and white mural covers the back wall. The front of the store is dedicated to seating and a wellness market. Here, you can buy pantry items, artwork, books, and apparel.
Carver 47 is designed to invite reflection. It reminds us of the beautiful and generous life of Dr. George Washington Carver. So next time you are in Bronzeville, be sure to stop by Carver 47. It is not just a cafe, but a tribute to a great man and a community’s heritage.