Black entrepreneurship has long been rooted in resilience, born from a history of exclusion from mainstream economic participation due to racism and segregation. Out of necessity and determination, generations of Black business owners built enterprises that catered to the needs of their communities. Some of these businesses — including Black-owned funeral homes — have endured for over a century, continuing to serve families through moments of profound grief and historical change.
The AFRO spoke with leaders of two historically significant Black funeral homes about their histories, impact, and the lessons they’ve learned for future generations of Black entrepreneurs.
Bynes-Royall Funeral Home: Oldest Black Business in Savannah
Founded in 1878 by Major William H. Royall, Bynes-Royall Funeral Home holds the distinction of being the oldest Black-owned business in Savannah and the oldest continuously-owned Black funeral home in Georgia.
Frank Howard Bynes Sr. and Frenchye M. Bynes, both licensed funeral directors, later became its owners and carried the business through decades of change. Their son, Raleigh DeWitt Bynes, served as manager during his tenure, helping guide the funeral home through periods of social and economic turbulence, including the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement.
Today, Raphael Watson, the funeral home’s office administrator and service director, says their mission remains deeply personal.
“We have employees who are non-family members, but we treat them as family members,” Watson said. “We are a close funeral home still serving in our community. We are family… serving families.”
The business has become a trusted pillar for generations, offering not just funeral services but also emotional and cultural support to the Black community during times of mourning.
McGuire Funeral Service: A D.C. Institution Since 1912
In Washington, D.C., McGuire Funeral Service has been serving families since 1912, when it was founded by Dr. Robert G. McGuire. Now located at 7400 Georgia Avenue NW, the business has stayed in the family for more than a century, passing through three generations.
Today, John McGuire, Dr. McGuire’s grandson, serves as vice president, while his wife, Lynne McGuire, is president. The couple reflected on how funeral services — and Black business ownership — have evolved over the years.
John McGuire recounted how his grandfather’s work looked vastly different in the early 20th century:
“Back in those early days, if someone died at home — and most people did back then — he would grab his embalming board, chemicals, and instruments, jump on the streetcar, and go to the person’s residence to do the embalming in the house.”
Technological advancements have since transformed the industry. The introduction of automobiles allowed for faster response times, refrigeration extended preservation periods, and the internet improved communication with clients.
The Impact of Integration on Black Businesses
While these funeral homes have endured, integration brought new challenges. Historically, segregation meant Black-owned businesses served a predominantly Black clientele because other options were limited. Now, with more consumer choice, some Black-owned enterprises have seen a decline in community support.
“A number of years ago, you would start a business and think your primary customers would be the African-American community,” John McGuire said. “[Now,] our folks may not support Black enterprises like they used to years ago. Years ago, there were no other options. You couldn’t go over to Connecticut Avenue to shop.”
McGuire’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to choose industries with universal appeal:
“If anyone is starting a business now, I would say if they want to really succeed, they have to do something in a field that is color blind. It has to be something that everybody wants to buy or use.”
A Legacy of Service
Both Bynes-Royall and McGuire Funeral Service have survived for more than a century by combining professional excellence with deep community ties. Their histories reflect not only the resilience of Black businesses but also their critical role in preserving cultural traditions and providing stability in times of loss.
As they continue to serve new generations, these funeral homes stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of Black entrepreneurship — a spirit that has transformed adversity into legacy.
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