On the corner of 807 W. Atkinson Ave. in Milwaukee sits a BP gas station that’s more than just a pit stop — it’s history. For over 30 years, this spot has been Black-owned, first held down by Diane Stowers, who ran it for three decades. Since then, it’s changed hands a few times but has always stayed in the culture, keeping Stowers’ vision alive (Carvd N Stone; Black Business).
Now the keys are in the hands of Sonia and Marvin Nash, who officially took over in November 2024. They don’t own the building just yet — they lease it — but the business is theirs, and they’re determined to make it thrive.
Rebuilding Trust
The station sits in a historically Black neighborhood, right across from another gas stop, and years of changes left folks unsure if the place was even open. Community support had dipped heavy. Marvin had to hop on Facebook with a message straight from the heart: “Please patronize us… how does the ONLY Black and Brown-owned gas station in Milwaukee not get the support it needs?” (Black Business).
That call for support hit — their daughter’s post about the business even racked up 2,000+ shares online, bringing fresh energy back to the pumps (Carvd N Stone).
More Than Gas
Sonia and Marvin are making sure this spot feels different. Cleanliness was their first mission — customers have even said, “I’ve never seen a gas station bathroom this clean.” They’re also curating products that people actually want, and bringing in their own staff to keep it all moving smooth (Carvd N Stone).
But the bigger vision? Turning the gas station into a community hub. The couple has plans for a BBQ café, coat and backpack drives, spring gas giveaways, and more events to give back while bringing people in. This ain’t just about fuel — it’s about legacy, ownership, and creating a space that belongs to the neighborhood (Carvd N Stone; Black Business).
Why It Matters
When you support this gas station, you’re doing more than filling up your tank. You’re helping keep Black ownership alive in a space where it’s almost nonexistent, building community wealth, and showing love to a business that’s determined to pour right back into the people.
