Written by: Dr. Sonya Alise McKinzie
In the heart of Fayetteville, Georgia, a quiet revolution in Black entrepreneurship took root in November 2024. That’s when Winchel and Felicia Elibert, a dynamic African American couple, opened the doors to Kingdom Corners—the city’s first Black-owned shopping plaza. More than commercialdevelopment, Kingdom Corners is a living testament to perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of ownership.
The Eliberts’ journey began with a simple sign posted across the street from their existing businesses—a Smoothie King and Cleansing Waters Wellness Center. The sign read “Land for Sale.” That moment sparked a vision that would take years to bring to life. With encouragement from their realtor and a deep sense of purpose, they purchased the four-acre property in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the global economy. Despite the timing and the many challenges that followed including soaring construction costs and systemic barriers to financing, they pressed forward with unwavering determination.
Winchel, the son of Haitian immigrants, had already built a name for himself as a successful entrepreneur, operating several barbershops. Felicia, a registered nurse from LaGrange, Georgia, had founded multiple wellness centers focused on holistic health. Together, they combined their entrepreneurial experience and community-centered values to create something far greater than a retail space. The name “Kingdom Corners” was inspired by Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth”—a verse that resonated deeply with them during the groundbreaking ceremony. It was more than a name; it was a spiritual affirmation of their calling to build something enduring.
Kingdom Corners quickly evolved into a vibrant hub for local businesses and a symbol of Black excellence in real estate development. Within just three months of opening, every commercial space in the plaza was fully leased. Today, the plaza is home to a diverse mix of businesses, including Frida’s Bar and Grill, Southern Fire Kitchen, Salata Salad Kitchen, Tanzar Nail Bar, Dough Boy Pizza, Smoothie King, and Cleansing Waters Wellness. The Eliberts themselves own two of these businesses, maintaining a hands-on role in the plaza’s continued success.
Their path was not without obstacles. The couple faced significant challenges securing funding, often encountering resistance from banks and financial institutions. These experiences reflect the broader systemic inequities that Black entrepreneurs frequently face when trying to access capital. Yet, the Eliberts remained undeterred. Their resilience became a beacon of hope, especially for young people in the community who now see tangible proof that dreams can be built brick by brick, business by business.
Felicia has spoken openly about the emotional weight of their accomplishment. “You’re not really thinking about what this could mean to your community,” she told Fox 5 Atlanta. “But that’s what happened, and now it’s really important for us to understand that and grasp onto that and know that we are on a platform where we’re able to uplift and inspire.” That platform is not just physical, cultural, economic, and generational.
The impact of Kingdom Corners reaches far beyond Fayetteville. It challenges the long-standing narrative that Black ownership in commercial real estate is rare or unattainable. It proves that with vision, community support, and relentless determination, barriers can be broken. The Eliberts’ success also underscores the importance of representation in spaces where decisions are made, and wealth is generated. Their presence in the development world sends a powerful message: Black families can and should be at the forefront of shaping their communities.
As Kingdom Corners continues to thrive, it stands as a living legacy of what’s possible when purpose meets opportunity. The Eliberts have not only built a plaza—they’ve built hope. Their story is a reminder that history is not only made in moments of protest or policy change, but also in the quiet, persistent work of building something that lasts. In doing so, they have carved out a space where Black businesses can flourish, families can gather, and futures can be imagined.
Photo Credit: Samantha Dorisca
References:
Black Business News. (2025, February 5). Couple Officially Opens First Ever Black-Owned Shopping Plaza in Fayetteville, Georgia. Retrieved from blackbusiness.com 1
– This article provides a detailed overview of the Eliberts’ journey, the businesses within Kingdom Corners, and the challenges they overcame.
WSB-TV Atlanta. (2024, November 13). Kingdom Corners: Black-owned shopping center is the first for Fayetteville. Retrieved from wsbtv.com 2
– Offers quotes from the Eliberts and highlights the community impact and historical significance of the development.
FOX 5 Atlanta. (2024). Fayetteville’s first Black-owned shopping plaza ‘completely leased out’. Retrieved from fox5atlanta.com 3
– Confirms the plaza’s full occupancy and the Eliberts’ role as developers and business owners.
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