For the Culture. Black Women’s Holiday Market
Most Holiday faires,boutiques and markets that cater to Black folks seem to have a very specific demographic that are served. Typically we are talking about 24-60 year old women who are Christian, highly educated and mid career supervisors and managers doing really well for themselves. Now don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a knock on them or a bad thing but where do the younger Black alternative, non-Christian, queer or non-binary youth shop?
Who may or may not be on a budget? Still highly educated but less concerned about the mainstream trappings of success and want something original and that speaks directly to them instead of showing off a high end brand name or consuming products to fit in and be like everyone else. I was happy to see so many younger vendors, entrepreneurs creating a space for Black folks to shop locally and find one of kind items. Not only a blend of dynamic artistry but mindfulness around how products were made, by hand and with the Black and Brown Oakland community in mind.
While the market was open to everyone and over 45 different vendors sold during this two day event I truly felt represented,seen and heard in the care the organizers took to build a space for all types of Black women. I appreciated the concern for each other by them providing food,encouragement,deliberate attention to health and wellness both physical and mental. Thank you to the Fresh to Def team and other volunteers for giving us the time to speak to each,stretch,eat,set the intention for our experiences and to gather in unity and positivity. A big shout out to all the sponsors and Oakland Impact Hub as well.
Vendors were asked to meet at a pre-event orientation to go over logistics and see who would be participating in the market and break bread with them and get to know each other as well as introduce the organizer staff. This meeting set the tone and moving into day one of the market it really felt less competitive as other shows I’ve set up at and more like a support system. It did not go unnoticed that the energy in the space was very gracious and expectations were high. Expectations not just to sell out of our goods but that folks would treat each other well and the good vibes would translate into more of a foundation for future markets. The feeling in the air was one of anticipation for endless possibilities. And you know what? I haven’t felt that way during a festival,convention or holiday market in a long time. No fear. I guess that was what was missing. The insidious claustrophobic unsettling pallor of what if this doesn’t go right. what if this fails. what if I lose money. what if ..what if..none of that happened and I am so happy and thankful the organizers had the foresight to prep us for positive outcomes and focus on what we do have instead of what may be missing. Super job and incredibly inspiring.
I enjoyed sharing my table with an awesome lady Tatille of Moonlight Wild honey. It makes a huge difference whether or not you have a good neighbor. Shout out to all the amazing folks that stopped by my table and supported. I sold out of several prints and had cool conversations with some of the most sweet people.
As I said before, food was given to vendors and the facility was clean and in a great location for random foot traffic. Parking well. It’s downtown Oakland so parking is what it is. That being said the security and parking attendants were nice too. Big ups to everyone who came out even in the rain on Saturday. I had a blast and still need to catch up on sleep. I’ve included a few photos here and I have more on my flickr page so check them out here, https://www.flickr.com/photos/storm1sky/albums/72157712052765928