Black August In Park Founders Host Black Farmers Market Nov. 24

Durham, NC – Curated by the founders of Black August in the Park (BAP), the Black Farmers Market is an annual marketplace designed to give local and regional Black farmers an opportunity to gain exposure and expand their market base. BAP also hosts the annual Black Market, a platform for a diverse group of Black business vendors from around the region to reach new audiences and be an alternative to Black Friday shopping in the mall.

This year they are combining the two events! The joint event will take place on Sunday, November 24 from 12 pm – 4 pm in the parking lot of Provident1898 (411 W. Chapel Hill St. – formerly NC Mutual Life Insurance Legacy Towers) and will feature farmers, select retail vendors, live DJ’s, informational booths and the Black Chef Cook-Off.

“We will expand the footprint [this year] into the parking garage at the Tower at Mutual Plaza to accommodate the 50 plus vendors we will host,” says Derrick Beasley, Black August in the Park Creative Director. “This free family-friendly event centers on Black people but is open to all who want to see Black farmers and businesses find success.”

The Black Farmers Market is operated by a core team of four North Carolina natives and three Durham natives. “We have been in existence since 2015, creating marketplaces for hundreds of Black-owned businesses ranging from service providers, artists, farmers, and retail.”

Beasley explains that the core team is all deeply invested in Durham and know that thriving Black businesses are an essential part of any thriving future of the city.

“The Black Farmers Market both reaches back to Durham’s historic Black Wall Street to gather inspiration and guidance and strives towards the future of what it means for Black people to have a semblance of control of our patterns of consumption. This includes the goods and services we use for daily living as well as the food we need for sustenance.” Vendors will sell an eclectic mix of art, jewelry, books, homemade jellies and jams, clothing, shea butter, hair care products and more.

The Market also exposes attendees to issues concerning black land, food access, and other agriculture-related issues. Food and land are essential to any Black liberation strategy and it’s important to bring Black folks in conversation with Black growers.

New this year is the Black Chef Cook-Off with the theme ‘What Is Your Favorite Side?’ This ticketed portion of the event will feature a contest of individuals (professional chefs and great home cooks) preparing their favorite Thanksgiving side dishes using ingredients from the Black farmers. Ticket holders will be able to sample the culinary offerings and vote for their favorite.

“We hope that with the Black Farmers Market and other Marketplaces we have provided will be a part of the legacy of the city of Durham and its leadership in the region for organizing and galvanizing Black businesses and food systems. In 2020, we hope to continue to provide space for Black-owned businesses and farmers, broadening the infrastructure for them to thrive. We hope to inspire others to connect with the businesses and farmers so that they may grow in strength and sustainability,” says Beasley.

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BLACK FARMERS MARKET 2018 HIGHLIGHTS (Photos: Phyllis Coley)