Jacksonville, Fla. — The Melanin Market will return to Jacksonville this Saturday for its 5th season with more than 200 vendors to showcase African American culture, art, and music.
It’s happening in Jacksonville’s historic Eastside on A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Event organizers tell Action News Jax the celebration is even bigger this year because it coincides with Juneteenth.
LIST: Juneteenth celebrations in the Jacksonville area
On Tuesday, Donna Karrar was busy getting ready for this year’s Melanin market. She sells all-natural soaps, lotions, and more at Adori Opulence on Beach Boulevard.
“I’m an American citizen but I grew up in the Caribbean and it’s been embedded in me as a child because we use all-natural skincare products like limes from the trees you know to heal the skin so all of that manifested as I got older,” Karrar.
Karrar said the melanin market is all about showcasing all the talent from Black-owned businesses and their culture.
Charletta McCoy is a mother of four and started Mbelished by CharMega.
She wants others to come out this Saturday not only to check out her jewelry and art but to learn about African American culture.
“Learn our story from us not from what’s being told from other individuals but actually learn our story from us and just see us movin and groovin and doing our thing,” McCoy said.
And business owners like McCoy and Karrar are hoping to get a little boost this Saturday to help their businesses recover from the pandemic.
“It was a scary moment, you know, especially for small business owners. For a lot of vendors where their income comes from, pop-up shops and pop-up events,” McCoy said.
In previous years the Melanin Market had around 40 to 50 vendors but this Saturday you’ll see more than 200 vendors all in celebration of Juneteenth.
“I’m just glad to see it’s out there, people are now knowing what it means to them. How the slaves got free and how we can celebrate all of that joy many years later, Karrar said.
The Melanin Market starts Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
There will be fireworks, food, live music, and entertainment for the kids.
For more information visit their website.
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