The Next “Black in Business” Pop-Up Market

By Diogo Fernandes Tavares

With over 20 vendors and 1000 visitors, the first “Black in Business” Pop-Up Outdoor Market was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who made it possible. 

The event, held on Juneteenth, helped celebrate the emancipation of African-American enslaved people in 1865. People around the city gathered and enjoyed the engrossing atmosphere of local Black-owned Businesses showcasing their products that enchanted The Rotch-Jones-Duff House. 

“Unique products, good prices, beautiful location, vendors were helpful and personable. I usually don’t like shopping, but I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and got a lot of gifts including for myself!”

Photo: SVBSIDE

Just days before the event, Juneteenth was finally recognized as a federal holiday, and the citizens of New Bedford came out with Black Pride. Many people dressed up in African fabrics – and we were even joined by the Marvel superhero Black Panther. The celebrators of Black freedom were the best part of the event. The community, despite a tumultuous year, united to support our Black-owned businesses financially and spiritually. It was a spiritual event for people who root for anyone that is Black. 

“My family and I had a fantastic time -- it was wonderful meeting new business owners, eating yummy food, and knowing what we bought would support local and black-owned entrepreneurs.”

Now we’re excited to announce our next outdoor market on August 28th – scheduled to celebrate August as Black Business Month. We hope to continue the momentum of the Juneteenth event as burgeoning Black-owned businesses continue to recover from the pandemic. 

The outdoor market will run from 9 am to 1 pm at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House at 396 County Street. Additional parking will be provided at the Our Lady of Assumption Church on 47 South Sixth Street. 

It was hot and crowded, but that actually worked out well, making it feel festive, like a bazaar… Loved the music and overall vibe. Chocolate covered strawberries were divine.

Whether or not you were able to join us on Juneteenth, you’re not going to want to miss the beautiful collage of Black entrepreneurship, culture, and history this August. 

We can't wait to see you and celebrate Black Business Month. RSVP here and share with a friend. 

Photo: SVBSIDE