Following success at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre back in May, the city’s Melanin Markets – organised by Bianca Danielle and Kelly Morgan – will return this October, this time at HOME and with a special twist. Attracting over 1,000 shoppers, this October’s event will take over the ground floor of HOME near First Street. There, the organisers will combine art, music, food and so much more – all created by the city’s talented Black community – whilst showcasing some of the best Black British owned businesses in the UK.
For the first time ever, this event is hosting a ‘King Edition’ which will uplift and spotlight Black men in business, creating a safe, authentic atmosphere for Black men to showcase the wonderful range of business, interests and narratives they hold. Why a King Edition? Melanin Markets said: “Too often society and the media push negative narratives and traumatising images of what it is to be a Black man. Often perpetuating harmful stereotypes which go on to hurt the Black community in numerous ways – psychologically, emotionally and economically. We want to push back against that.”
This autumn, visitors can expect exceptional pieces of artwork, beautiful hand-crafted homeware, independent designers and talented chefs – with over 30 traders confirmed to be in attendance on October 9th. Running from 12pm-5pm, there will be an exciting variety of East African, Caribbean and fusion food and drink businesses, as well as live art and hair services, alongside African clothing and adult and children accessories on offer.
Confirmed traders so far include Ghanaian food from RJ’s cuisine, luxury Afro streetwear brand Duodu London, shea butter products from Shea’mazing, natural ginger drink Root2Ginger, premium rum punch brand Opium, hand painted bespoke artwork from Don Grant Wall Art, hair and body care products from Inna Blac, Black History Activity Books and Jamaican food from What’s Your Flava.
The Directors and Producers of Melanin Markets, Bianca and Kelly said: “We are two Manchester based, Black female entrepreneurs who have created a vehicle aiming to address the lack of diverse representation, inclusion and opportunities for people who look like us within the Business sector.
“We stand in alignment with the Black Pound Day movement, which aims to address the economic inequalities and imbalances affecting Black businesses and entrepreneurs in the UK and global diasporic communities. We welcome and encourage all communities to enjoy, celebrate and spend at Melanin Markets.”
Melanin Markets in Manchester is free to attend and will take place on Sunday October 9th, from 12pm-5pm on the ground floor at HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, M15 4FN.