This weekend, the Ujamaa Collective will be unveiling their artists' market for Pittsburgh shoppers to explore.
This cooperative of women business owners of African descent will be offering a huge range of items, including environmentally friendly and handmade jewelry, body care items, crafts, fresh produce and organic, gourmet, and international foods. Product samples, taste testing and gift give-a-ways, plus entertainment from African drummers, a
jazz set, gospel choir and open-mic session will add to the
celebration.
The market is designed to provide booths and tables to entrepreneurs in the early stages of their development, so that they can showcase their handmade wares, foods and goods. It is also designed to bring shoppers and visitors to the Centre Avenue business corridor.
Ujamaa Collective, which is based in the Hill, is committed to green entrepreneurship and cooperative business innovation. Their goal is to use non-traditional approaches to overcoming the long-standing economic and racial disparities in Pittsburgh's small business economy.
"We intend to increase the net worth of black women in our communities exponentially," said Ujamaa Collective member, Yejide KMT, in an announcement about the opening of the market. "The Ujamaa marketplace is one component of our holistic solution for the economic crisis facing our communities."
In addition to funding that was raised by members of the collective, the project has also received generous in-kind donations and funding support from the Heinz Endowments Innovation Economy Fund, McAuley Ministries, the Hill House, Hill Association and Pittsburgh Keystone Innovation Zone, and Sankofa Community Empowerment.
The market will be open on Saturday, July 31 (11a.m.-7 p.m.)
and Sunday Aug. 1 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 2030 Centre Avenue in the heart
of the Hill District, plus additional Sundays during August and
September (see dates on the flyer above).
Writer: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Ujamaa Collective
Image courtesy of Ujamaa Collective