Since February 2017, the Melanin Market has lined the eastside streets of Jacksonville with sounds of joyous laughter, genuine camaraderie and black culture for all. The Jax Melanin Market was founded by Dawn Curling and State Representative Angie Nixon, two Black female creatives with a love for their community and a deep desire to implement change. 

The Melanin Market bridges the gap between social and economic inequalities that minorities face daily by educating the community on the power of the Black dollar and improving access to local commerce. The duo’s passion and creative efforts created a platform for local minority-owned businesses to distinguish their voices through promoting their products and services. 

“People should come and explore the Melanin Market just so they can understand black culture, who we are, the foods that we eat and the crafts that we create,” says Anita Spencer, who originally joined the non-profit organization as the host back in 2017, but soon advanced to the communications director — while wearing other hats — as the organization began to grow. 

As a business owner herself, Spencer was drawn to become a part of the Melanin Market team because she knew the importance of showcasing other businesses. 

Spencer believes one of the biggest issues in the Black community is people knowing where to find these businesses so they can support them. 

“I think bringing all these people to the market and being able to showcase what they have, their ideas, and their works is amazing and that’s what drew me to what they are doing because we need more representation when it comes to businesses.”

Of course, location is an essential factor in planning any event, but where the Melanin Market deviates from that logic is that their location is strategically chosen to emphasize the historic significance of Jacksonville’s Eastside community. A. Philip Randolph Boulevard, formerly known as Florida Avenue, from Union to Odessa Street, is where over 100 vendors, entertainers, creatives, and artists join in fellowship for economic development.

“The Eastside of Jacksonville is ground zero for Black people,” Spencer says. 

It was once a popular area that thrived with Black entrepreneurship and livelihood. Unfortunately, after the 1969 race riots, Jacksonville’s Eastside was unable to revitalize itself to the same standard. The Melanin Market pays homage to those historic beginnings each time they fill the streets with the familiar presence of what once stood in its place. 

For Spencer, this outdoor marketplace also serves as an opportunity to educate. The Melanin Market kicked off their celebrations with Black History Month then added Juneteenth and Black Friday to the roster. 

“We’re celebrating our culture, our day of freedom, and teaching the community why we should celebrate Juneteenth.” 

“The Real Black Friday” event was created to highlight the importance of shopping locally during a time when most people are accustomed to shopping at malls and popular department stores. 

They also stimulate the Black community by partnering with other organizations to offer workshops, community events, exhibits and volunteer projects. 

Customers and participants are elated to experience the vast number of black businesses and witness the camaraderie of the vendors coming together to work with each other. 

“The biggest takeaway is seeing how we all come together and get along,” Spencer emphasizes. “It’s not a competition. When you spend [money] with one of us, you’re helping a Black family so it all works out for everyone.” 

“A gesture as small as taking a business card is just as important as patronizing because you are still supporting and helping a Black family.”

This isn’t an event exclusive to one community. Spencer encourages everyone from all walks of life to “come step outside of your box and see what other people are creating.” No matter what you’re expecting, the Melanin Market has something for everybody. It’s a family friendly festival for all ages with a kid’s zone, a petting zoo, fun rides, live performances and great food.  

“We’re going to have good energy. The Bethune Cookman University choir [is performing]. It’s going to be amazing.”

The Melanin Market enriches the community by giving minority business owners the opportunity to promote their works, engage potential supporters, build a following and create lifelong customers. 

Spencer encourages those who have never been to attend at least once, and if you have a business, become a vendor to “get out there and showcase your stuff.”

The deadline to submit your vendor registration is Saturday, Feb. 12. If you’re not a business-owner but would like to contribute your time, you can also sign-up to volunteer by visiting jaxmelaninmarket.com/volunteer. The event is held on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 11 to 4 a.m. with the parade starting at 11 a.m. on 822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.

To learn more about the Melanin Market, visit jaxmelaninmarket.com and them on Instagram @jaxmelaninmarket.