Melanin Market reclaims Black Friday to highlight Black-owned businesses, closing out 6th year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Black Friday is also the chance for The Melanin Market to showcase Black-owned businesses on the Eastside.

“When you think Black Friday, think Black-owned businesses,” said Anita Spencer, a spokesperson for The Melanin Market, which closed out its 6th year on Friday.

It’s dedicated to showcasing, “the variety, the versatility out here,” said shopper Tia Rodman.

“Most of the things are handmade items,” Spencer emphasized.

Friday marked the 24th Melanin Market along A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, drawing out more than 110 Black-owned businesses and nonprofits.

“So many people from the Black community come here and they shop and they have fun but it’s also a chance to reach out to them and to show them, ‘Hey! There’s are so many more things you can do,’” 15-year-old Victoria Spence pointed out.

Victoria, along with her mom Silvana and sister Isabella Spence, self-published a S.T.E.M. book.

It’s named “Bella the Scientist Goes to Outer Space,” where they’re the main characters in their own adventure.

“We see one person that looks like us and then it gives us the courage to go on and do what we want and do what we love,” Victoria emphasized.

Already it is making an impact.

“I think it was a really good book,” 10-year-old Nadya Rodman said. “What does it make you feel?” asked Action News Jax reporter Jessica Barreto. “It makes me feel like I can do anything,” Nadya replied.

It is this mindset that motivated Aya Love to create her own business focused on natural products.

“These are exclusives, my products are all hand-made with love and care,” Love described.

“Small business owners, we work extremely hard.”

The market comes around four times a year, and it’ll be back on February 18th with more vendors.

Organizers want everyone to remember one purchase can go a long way.

“When you spend money with a Black business, you impact a Black family and that’s what’s important,” Spencer highlighted. “That’s gonna take us far.”

If you’re interested in checking out the local Black-owned businesses from The Melanin Market, you can find them HERE.

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