The Jacksonville community showcased Black culture through creativity, entrepreneurship and a whole lot of fun.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With Juneteenth just days away, the Jacksonville community is kicking things off in a big way.
On Saturday, over 150 Black-owned businesses filled the streets of A Philip Randolph Boulevard Outeast as part of the Melanin Market Juneteenth Celebration.
Black culture was showcased through creativity, entrepreneurship and a whole lot of fun.
“Uniting together as one is truly a blessing for all of us and highlights the strength of Black ownership,” remarked Kenneth Harvin, the proprietor of Romaine’s Apparel and Accessories.
Kenneth and Tamara Harvin shared with First Coast News that engaging with over 150 Black-owned enterprises aids in expanding their apparel and accessory business.
“This is the only way that I know to be able to find the other stores,” said Tamara Harvin.
This market is also a time to showcase Black culture from all over the world.
“It’s really nice because island culture is a part of Black culture, so we are trying to bring island culture around,” said Akayla Otis, with Jacksonville Carnival.
With Juneteenth coming up on Thursday, sharing the culture through food, fun and fellowship is how the Jacksonville community chooses to celebrate.
“Celebrating any part of our heritage is also important because it identifies with us and it helps us to know who we are and what we came from. We came from such a struggle to see us here today,” said Jhoine Donnell, owner of Cosmic Juice Bar.
The Melanin Market has been able to do a lot since its inception.
According to its website, organizers have been able to give $70,000 in mini-grants, host business workshops for 500 small businesses and help a thousand local children through giveaways and a whole lot more.
“It enables us to grow and continue to do what we do, which is bring amazing handcrafted goods to the people and keep the people in tune with each other, so I think it’s great to come and celebrate melanated businesses,” said Donnell.
Our First Coast News reporter, Christina Burgess, interviewed Grammy-nominated rapper Yung Joc, headliner of the Melanin Market Juneteenth celebration. Watch the full interview below:
