After almost four years, The Culturist Union has announced its closing. 

In an email sent on Feb. 15, The Culturist Union founder Elbi Elm thanked community members for their encouragement, support and patronage. She added that the business served its purpose, which was “to be a village-minded epicenter that empowered creatives, entrepreneurs and professionals to be seen, heard and celebrated.” She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who joined her on this journey.

The Culturist Union was conceived around Juneteenth of 2019. What started as a digital community had grown into a brick and mortar site, which was opened last year. The Culturist Union was a multipurpose space that centered on the Black community, focused on providing a place for creatives to connect and collaborate. 

She closed with a sincere and heartfelt message to the city:

“Savannah, thank you for opening your arms to me. I hope that you will, forever and always, TAKE UP SPACE,” Elm wrote.

It's not immediately clear what may be next for Elm, as many in the community consider her an innovative leader with an eye on the future. This surely isn’t the last we’ve seen of her. 

Revisit The Culturist Union’s journey in these Connect Savannah articles linked here and here. 

This article appears in Connect Savannah | February, 2023.