Creating Space for Black Culture on State Street
It’s not unknown that Madison, Wisconsin’s Black community doesn’t always feel welcomed on State Street, so Ashley Moseberry founded Black on State to empower her community to reclaim Downtown Madison.
Black on State focuses on community, creativity, and economic equity by creating spaces for Black and minority creatives and entrepreneurs to be supported and feel safe. Moseberry said she was being rebellious against those pushing Black creativity out of Downtown Madison.
“It’s kind of like a take back…it’s very intentional. [We’re] redefining where people think Black people are supposed to be in Madison.” – Ashley Moseberry
Black on State has gone through three name changes since 2020 because Moseberry wanted the name to match the focus of the business. According to the site, “State Street often represents the city’s core—where decisions are made, businesses thrive, and influence flows. Black on State is our answer to spaces that have historically excluded us—a reclamation of space, culture, and opportunity.'”
Moseberry is a Chicago native who has grown up in Madison since five years old. She herself admits to avoiding Downtown Madison due to a lack of things including an absence of Black culture like our music, the drinks we like, and activities that resonate within our culture. Moseberry sees Black on State as a bridge to let the Black community know it’s okay to be in places like Downtown Madison.
“I think this work is pivotal because it’s a space where this doesn’t happen,” said Moseberry. “… [we] have to be comfortable normalizing ourselves in places where people think we’re not supposed to be.”
2025 Black on State Festival
The second annual Black on State Festival returns to Downtown Madison on the 400-500 Block of State Street on August 23, 2025. The inaugural festival expected 5,000 visitors but received 13,000 visitors from four cities and ten area codes including Milwaukee. This year’s festival theme is Rodeo: Black, Bold, & Buckin’, and is expected to have 18,000 visitors.
Black on State Festival is Black on State’s flagship event.
The festival will include local vendors, live music, and a designated kids’ corner.
At the center of every Black on State Festival is Black creativity.
“It’s a way for us to push back and to show that creativity is a big pillar of community,” said Moseberry.
More than A Festival
Black on Street is active throughout the year with summer socials, volleyball days, and community walks. Black on State partners with American Players Theaters to take residents to see plays under the stars.
Whatever the business pursues, it does so intentionally to foster an authentic community.
“Creating a community, honestly, for me, the easiest way for me to create community is for me to be myself,” said Moseberry.
Black on State is currently looking for sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for its 2025 festival.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
