Many like to talk about how we need to support area Black-owned businesses but few know where to start. What we are left with in the vacuum is simply more of the same with little change.
I’m happy to report that those excuses are beginning to evaporate, and much of this is due to the work of the
Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses and their annual
Black Market Event.
Unlike other markets held around the city, the Black Market Event on Friday night is a chance to browse the numerous booths of businesses and service providers of our region at the GRABB Pop-up Shop and is also the night we honor community leaders at the third annual community GRABB Awards.
GRABB believes that for any revitalization within the Black community to take hold, we must commit to connect communities of color via education about the power of the dollar and then work to expand via events like the market, as well as through active social networking following such programs.
After the social hour networking and shopping, it is time to settle into the GRABB Awards, during which we will, as a city, celebrate Black businesses, individuals, and those community organizations that are laboring to ensure the future includes all of us.
This third awards show/market event comes on the heels of another new successful event for GRABB. Their recent #30days30dollars campaign witnessed many within the city stepping off the well-worn path as they redirected money to area Black-owned businesses. If you want to know more about October’s 30 days 30 dollars project, read about it in
this Rapid Growth feature.
By attending this event, you are pledging to support GRABB’s mission, which includes the support and creation of programming for current and aspiring Black entrepreneurs in our region.
GRABB’s newly-defined strategic plan includes an aggressive set of goals, including the need to organize and define business districts where predominately Black neighborhood will be served by businesses that are owned and operated by people of color.
It is an inspiring shift in focus - and one that is sure to be a success within our neighborhoods as they attract customers and create new ventures of employment , as well as re-energize the inner city with civic pride connected to race in a beautiful way that allows folks to make their communities their own.
Admission: $25