About Juneteenth 2021…. Momentum Coffee hosted a Vendor Empowerment Expo Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 9 AM to 3 PM. In honor of Juneteenth, small, local businesses showcased their items for sale at 2119 State Street, South Loop location in Chicago, Illinois. Momentum Coffee was also a part of the 1st Agape Art Walk 2021 which started with a Juneteenth kick off and runs until June 30, 2021. Featuring amazing artists from Chicago representing their truth and culture. The art walk is organized by Agape Creative Boutique & Agape Collective which Unifies Chicago Black Artists, Business, and Community Leaders to Bring Alignment and Celebration
For Momentum Coffee the day exceeded our expectations. People came out to the event to commemorate the day by shopping small, and local on this special day. Tracy Powell, co-founder of Momentum Coffee, "It is important to support, empower, and collaborate with other small businesses. We created an environment for many businesses to thrive. We are proud of how it turned out.”
Vendor Empowerment in Action
We were so pleased to host the following vendors if you missed them we encourage you to check them out!
All Butter’d Up – Luxury Whipped Shea Butter
The New Rich – Lifestyle Brand
Mogul Nation - Agape Collective
Detoxx Life - Natural health and beauty products
Pamoja Experience - Food
Eyebar Optics - Luxury Concierge Optometry
Nzuri - Candles
Scented by Si - Candles
Exotic Scents of Mind - Skincare - Soaps, Bath salts, Shea butter, Deodorant
GreatNezz Apparel/MBM - Tees
Little Girl Gang - Books, Wine, Candles
Only One Boutique - Leather and Denim garments and accessories
Ody’s One of Kind - Jewelry
Nhyira Clothing - African Attire
Why it matters?
Momentum Coffee is helping other small businesses stay afloat through the power of the community. "What we know is that a strong community matters," Nikki Bravo says, "And [by] us being part of this community, empowering the community... is what we're here to do. On Juneteenth, our event showcased not only Momentum Coffee but the power of the collective! We could not be more excited by the success the vendors had at our location!"
What is Juneteenth?
Besides uplifting small businesses, the expo aims to highlight the history of Juneteenth and its importance to the black community. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger and his federal troops rode into Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery through the Emancipation of Proclamation, signed nearly two and a half years prior. A year later, emancipated slaves commenced a celebration of their liberty by playing music, cooking food, and attending prayer services. The celebration became widespread as descendants of slaves migrated from the South and moved around the United States over the last 150 years. As a result, Juneteenth (a fusion of "June Nineteenth") has become a state holiday in 47 states. In support of Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, the black community started an online petition with over one million signatures. Besides signing the petition, other great ways to celebrate the holiday include attending barbeques, going to marches or rallies, visiting museums and historical sites, and of course, buying from black-owned businesses. Those opting to celebrate indoors can post about the holiday on social media, attend seminars, consume black entertainment, and donate to black organizations.
How to celebrate Juneteenth -next year?
Missed our pop-up shop? We plan to make this an annual event. Stay tuned we may even have this quarterly to help even more businesses thrive and grow our community.
Event: Momentum Coffee's Vendor Empowerment Expo /Pop Up Shop
Location: 2119 S State Street Chicago IL 60616 (South Loop)
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