When HYFIN held its first Blackity Black Holiday Market last year at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, it became clear pretty quickly that the inaugural event would soon be an annual one. More than 40 Black-owned businesses flooded the space, along with scores of shoppers — all of them with smiles on their faces as they knocked items off their holiday lists.
For this year’s Small Business Saturday, the market will return but in a new location: Turner Hall Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 25. HYFIN will host the free event in conjunction with partners The African American Chamber of Commerce, Historic King Drive BID, and We Got Soul MKE.
“After last year’s success, we are excited to host this year’s holiday market to reiterate the importance of intentionally supporting local Black-owned businesses during the holiday season while circulating dollars back into our community,” Radio Milwaukee Digital Director Tarik Moody said.
Organizers have once again lined up 40+ Black-owned vendors from the Milwaukee area and added a couple new twists. Everyone in attendance will get a chance to enjoy food from local eateries that participated in the CityTins HYFIN Edition, and there will also be a resource bank with representatives from local nonprofits, financial institutions and mental-health resources.
On top of that, HYFIN DJ Anthony Foster will hand-pick the soundtrack for the event, Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by for a visit, and anyone who misses the jolly couple can visit a letter-writing station that’ll get their wish list to the North Pole.
"The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin is thrilled to serve as a market partner for HYFIN’s Blackity Black Holiday Market,” the organization’s president and CEO Nikki Purvis said. “It only makes sense that we help connect the culture to elevate local Black entrepreneurs, and we look forward to seeing so many talented business owners in one space showcasing some amazing products and gifts.”
To reserve a free ticket to this year’s Blackity Black Holiday Market, visit the Eventbrite page or find the market on Facebook.
