U Street: The people and places that have persevered in DC’s historically Black neighborhood

It's National Black Business Month, and we are looking at a handful of Black-owned businesses that have persevered through decades of prosperity and upheaval in a Washington, D.C. neighorhood once known as "Black Broadway."

Lee’s Flower Shop has been selling flowers, greeting cards, and other gifts for the past 80 years.

“It’s a gift from God that allows us to bring flowers into people’s homes, make them happy,” said Richard Lee, Chairman of the Board.

Richard Lee’s parents, William and Winnifred Lee, opened the Washington, D.C. business in 1945.

“Their flowers were all over the city, even down at the White House. The flower business has been very good to us,” Lee said. “It didn’t just happen overnight. It was something that was built and fostered by people who had the guts to do it.”