Table of Contents
The vibrant festivities of the second annual Black Business Block Party will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m., enveloping the lively stretch of Georgia Street that lies nestled between Capitol Avenue and Meridian Street in the heart of Indianapolis.
The event, organized by Alpha Sigma, the Indianapolis-based alumnae chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, aims to connect over 100 local, minority-owned businesses with the community and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their work.
What will be available at Black Block Party?
The participating vendors will offer a variety of products, including food and drinks, handmade goods, beauty and skincare products, and clothing. Local non-profit organizations will also be present to educate visitors about the community resources they provide.
The event seeks to support and promote Black-owned businesses, particularly those that may not always receive the same attention or opportunities as other businesses. Jocelyn Porter, a local business owner and member of Alpha Sigma, will be returning to the block party with her online store called We’re Popp’in Popcorn & Lemonade.
She will be serving delicious treats such as Oreo-blasted popcorn and handmade funnel cakes. Porter expressed the importance of events like the block party for growing her business and connecting with a wider customer base.
The block party not only serves as a social network but also as a support system for the members of Alpha Sigma. The sorority aims to extend this solidarity to Black-owned businesses throughout the city, recognizing the barriers that minority residents often face when starting their businesses. Alpha Sigma is actively working to provide resources and support to help overcome these challenges.
Expected Impact of Black Block Party
Mayrena King, the block party chair, hopes that the event will introduce Indianapolis residents to local companies they may not have known about before. She emphasized the significance of intentional shopping to help shrink the wealth gap that exists along racial lines.
King believes that events like the block party create opportunities for consumers to support Black-owned businesses and contribute to enhancing the quality of life for women and their families. While the Black Business Block Party aims to highlight and provide a platform for businesses owned by people of color, King made it clear that everyone is welcome to attend.
The event seeks to allow minority businesses to be seen and celebrated, with exposure serving as a crucial step in closing the wealth gap. King expressed the hope that the block party will inspire young Black children and demonstrate the entrepreneurship opportunities available to them.
Alpha Sigma is already working with young people in the city to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Harper’s Lemonade at Black Block Party
Harper Shockley-Thomas, a 9-year-old business owner, runs her own lemonade business called Harper’s Lemonade. Since she was two years old, she has been hosting lemonade stands at local venues and donating a portion of her proceeds to the Mozel Sanders Foundation, a charity serving hot meals on Thanksgiving day.
Harper has been preparing lemonade all week for the block party and sees her business as an opportunity to come out of her shell and develop people skills. Her mother, Heather Shockley, is proud to watch her daughter grow into a young businesswoman and acknowledges that it’s Harper’s business, with her playing the role of an employee.
The primary objective of the Black Business Block Party is to establish a forum where community members can engage with and empower local, minority-owned businesses. By promoting deliberate purchasing decisions and fostering support for Black-owned enterprises, this event seeks to not only strengthen the community’s bond but also serve as a catalyst for inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.
Refer Here: Black Business Block Party
