Lincoln Ave Herald — AI Business Incubator & Digital Museum

Programs

AI Business Incubator

Empowering the next generation of Black entrepreneurs with AI-powered tools, mentorship, and capital access to build scalable, community-rooted businesses.

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AI Innovation Lab

Hands-on workshops in generative AI, machine learning, and automation tools tailored for small business owners and startups.

Weekly sessions Free

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Venture Studio

Seed funding and structured mentorship for AI-driven ventures. From idea to MVP to market — we walk with you.

$5K–$50K 12-week program

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Digital Marketplace

A curated platform connecting Lincoln Ave businesses to local and global customers with AI-optimized storefronts.

Launch Q3 2026 Open enrollment

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Mentorship Network

Connect with seasoned entrepreneurs, tech executives, and community leaders who understand the journey.

1:1 matching Virtual + in-person

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Policy & Advocacy

Shaping equitable AI policy and digital infrastructure for underserved communities at the local and national level.

Active legislation Join the coalition

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Youth AI Academy

STEM and AI education for middle and high school students, building the pipeline of future innovators.

Ages 12–18 Summer + after-school

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Digital Museum

An interactive archive preserving the history, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Lincoln Avenue and the communities that shaped it.

1923 — Featured Exhibit

Lincoln School

The cornerstone of education and community gathering. Explore digitized yearbooks, oral histories from alumni, and architectural drawings of the original building.

1945

Black Wall Street Era

The golden age of Black-owned business on Lincoln Avenue

1963

Civil Rights Movement

Local heroes, national impact

1950s–70s

Jazz & Culture

The sound of Lincoln Avenue

1920–1980

First Generation Entrepreneurs

Stories of grit and vision

1938

The People's Library

When the city wouldn't build one, the community did

1948

The Lincoln Theater

Where legends performed and community gathered

1955–1987

The Original Herald

Community journalism that held power accountable

History

Heritage Timeline

From the first brick laid to the first AI model trained — the story of Lincoln Avenue is a story of resilience, innovation, and community.

1923

Lincoln School Founded

Built by the community, for the community. The school became the heartbeat of Lincoln Avenue, educating generations and hosting town halls, church services, and cultural events.

1945

The Business District Blooms

Over 200 Black-owned businesses line the avenue — grocery stores, barbershops, insurance companies, and theaters. Lincoln Ave becomes a self-sustaining economic engine.

1963

Civil Rights & Sit-Ins

Local leaders organize peaceful protests and voter registration drives. Lincoln Avenue becomes a training ground for national civil rights strategy.

1987

Urban Renewal & Displacement

Highway construction and "urban renewal" projects fracture the business district. The community archives everything — photos, ledgers, oral histories — to preserve what was built.

2015

The Herald is Reborn

A group of descendants and historians launch the Lincoln Ave Herald as a digital publication, reviving the community newspaper tradition for the internet age.

2024

AI Incubator Launches

The Herald expands into an AI Business Incubator, combining historical preservation with forward-looking technology — ensuring Lincoln Avenue's legacy shapes the future.

Voices

Community Stories

Hear from the entrepreneurs, historians, and community members who are keeping the Lincoln Avenue spirit alive.

"The AI Lab helped me automate my bookkeeping and triple my client capacity. I went from surviving to scaling in six months."

Marcus King

Founder, King Financial Services

"My grandmother ran a dress shop on Lincoln in '52. The Digital Museum let me see her ledger entries for the first time. It brought her back to life."

Denise Williams

Museum Contributor & Descendant

"As a mentor, I've watched founders go from idea to revenue in 90 days. The community here doesn't just support you — it propels you."

James Thompson

Tech Executive & Mentor