Black-Owned Businesses in Sierra Vista, Arizona
Sierra Vista is a small city in Cochise County, Arizona (AZ), less than an hour north from the Mexico border. Its best known as the city immediately east from the home of Army intelligence, Fort Huachuca. Sierra Vista, AZ, has the essentials but is isolated from other cities. Tucson is approximately 90 minutes north-west while Phoenix is another two hours further. The Black American presence is nearly nonexistent. However, there are some niche Black-owned businesses worth checking out for any pro-Black residents, travelers, and Army Advanced Initial Training (AIT) soldiers.
Chill Factor Hookah and Cigar Lounge
Chill Factor Hookah and Cigar Lounge is a Black-owned hookah lounge with various shisha flavors, cigars, alcohol, and nonalcoholic drinks. The interior includes plenty seating and a stage. Across the street from Rodolfo's Taco Shop and Pizza Hut on the E Fry Blvd, Chill Factor is the only hookah lounge in Sierra Vista. Its also the only Black-owned nightlife spot in SV. Business owner JD Mack is a down-to-earth brother, very personable. Its a great chill spot for anyone looking to be out at night but duck the Sierra Vista weather.
What is hookah? Per their website, "Hookahs are water pipes that are used to smoke specially made tobacco that comes in different flavors."
Swift Family Photography
Swift Family Photography is a Black-owned photography business located in the Sierra Vista mall. You can purchase Swift Family fine art prints from Fine Art America. For updates, check their Instagram account: @natoyahswift.
Sierra Vista Dream Center
Sierra Vista Dream Center (SVDC), by Clea McCaa II, is a nonprofit organization focused on Sierra Vista community building and family assistance:
- Health and fitness education
- Entrepreneurship and career assistance
- Training in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)
- Mitigate legal punishments and school suspensions
- Residence weatherization services
Check Facebook for SVDC updates.
Sierra Vista 1st Church of God in Christ
Sierra Vista 1st Church of God in Christ is a Black-owned church, inclusive to all races. Ignore the svcogic.org URL which no longer works. Check Facebook for updates on SVCOG1stC.
If you decide to visit this small city, keep in mind that its a stark contrast from Tucson and Phoenix. Sierra Vista doesn't have a lot of drug addicts and homeless folks camping on public streets, overt anti-Black racism, self-centered and entitled vibes, or Black-owned businesses. I hope this listacle gives Black Americans in the area ideas for how to use their time and network.
