HYFIN, a Radio Milwaukee station (WYMS-88.9FM HD2), will host the 2nd annual “Blackity Black Holiday Market” on Nov. 25 at the Turner Hall Ballroom from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hosted in conjunction with The African American Chamber of Commerce, Historic King Drive BID, and We Got Soul MKE as market partners, the market is open to all and “will delight the senses of attendees as they celebrate community through youth performances, food from the CityTins HYFIN Edition vendors, and found treasures for sale from the 40+ Black-owned
vendors from the Milwaukee area,” according to a press release from HYFIN.
HYFIN digital director Tarik Moody said the inaugural Blackity Black Holiday Market in 2022 drew about 1,000 people and about 40 vendors. He said organizers are aiming to get closer to 50 or 60 vendors this year.
This year, the market will also feature a resource bank set on-site with representatives from local non-profits, financial institutions and mental health resources. Music will be curated by HYFIN DJ Anthony Foster and attendees will enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus plus a Santa letter writing station.
“Systemically Black entrepreneurs struggle harder to get capital, struggle harder to get customers. And we want to highlight and amplify them, give them the love that they deserve. They may not have the capital to bring these things to market, and so we want to make sure we do that as part of our mission,” Moody said.
He said HYFIN has hosted a number of business-focused events, such as discussion forums and a Black & brown beer festival. An e-commerce summit is also in the works.
Collaborating with this year’s market partner allows each organization to reach their goals collectively.
“We Got Soul MKE aims to uplift Black small business owners and creatives in Milwaukee by curating a marketplace experience that highlights and showcases them and emphasizes community, awareness and advocacy,” We Got Soul MKE founder Meaghan Bertram said in a statement.
Attendees can expect an immersive experience supporting and celebrating Black joy around the holiday season.
“The African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, Inc. is thrilled to serve as a market partner for HYFIN’s Blackity Black Holiday Market. 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” Nikki Purvis, President and CEO of The African American Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.
The market gives patrons the opportunity to celebrate and support local entrepreneurs, vendors, and creatives.
“The King Drive Business Improvement District is excited to be a market partner with HYFIN this year! We are continuing to elevate shopping local beyond just our BID district boundaries to continue more impactful collaborations of community and uplifting the African American culture and experience that this city has to offer” Ray Hill, Executive Director of Historic King Drive Business Improvement District, said in a statement.Guests can reserve a free ticket for the event on Eventbrite or Facebook. Vendors can apply at this link.
