Harambee Holiday Market: Supporting Denver’s Local Entrepreneurs
The spirit of community and entrepreneurship shines brightly in Denver at the annual Harambee Holiday Market. Held at New Hope Baptist Church, this vibrant two-day event brings together dozens of Black- and Latino-owned small businesses, offering unique, culturally rich goods and fostering economic growth within the community.
A Celebration of Culture and Commerce in Denver
Inside New Hope Baptist Church, the main hall transforms into a bustling marketplace, filled with a colorful array of handmade goods, lively conversations, and the enticing scents of artisanal products. Now in its second year, the Harambee Holiday Market, hosted by the AYA Foundation, is more than just a shopping event; it’s a powerful initiative designed to uplift local entrepreneurs and provide an affordable platform for them to connect with customers during the holiday season.
What “Harambee” Means for the Community
The word “Harambee” itself holds significant meaning, translating to “all pull together.” Tonoa Manuel, Chief Operating Officer of the AYA Foundation, emphasizes this philosophy, stating, “We’re a community foundation that supports economic mobility through small business and entrepreneurship.” The market embodies this collective effort, creating a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive.
Breaking Down Barriers for Small Businesses
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Harambee Holiday Market is its commitment to affordability for vendors. In an industry where pop-up markets and festivals often charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for booth fees, the Harambee market stands out. Manuel highlights, “It costs $50 for these vendors to set up for two days, and that’s it. We’re not here to make money. We’re here to support small business and give them the opportunity to be seen, heard and valued by the bigger community.” This accessible pricing ensures that new and growing businesses, who might otherwise be excluded, have a vital opportunity to reach new customers.
Discover Unique, Culturally Rooted Treasures
Visitors to the market can expect to find a diverse selection of items that reflect rich cultural traditions and unique craftsmanship. From books and jewelry to handmade bags from Africa, intricate quilts, specialized teas, and natural skin-care products, the market offers goods that are truly distinct. “These are things you’re not going to find on Amazon or in a local chain store. That’s the beauty of shopping small,” says Manuel, highlighting the market’s appeal for those seeking meaningful and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Spotlight on Local Entrepreneurs
Miss G’s Reading Emporium: Culturally Representative Literature
Sandra Guilford, owner of Miss G’s Reading Emporium, exemplifies the market’s mission. A former fourth-grade teacher, Guilford now runs a mobile bookstore specializing in books by Black authors and stories that positively reflect the lives of children. Her goal is to ensure “all kids should have books at home with characters that look like them.” Guilford also keeps her books affordably priced, usually under $20, making quality literature accessible to more families. Events like the Harambee market are crucial for her to gain visibility and foster connections within the community.
Sun Ghee: Flavorful Traditions
Farnosh Family, founder of Sun Ghee, is another returning vendor. Her business showcases infused clarified butters with unique flavors like chives and parsley, rosemary and sage, or even cinnamon and ashwagandha. Family notes that her product “brings people together through flavor and tradition,” and the market provides a “great way to get in front of new people, especially those looking to support local.” She appreciates the market’s diverse offerings, noting, “If you’re looking for something different than what you’d find in a big-box store, this is where you should go.”
Why the Harambee Holiday Market Matters
The Harambee Holiday Market plays a crucial role in Denver’s local economy and community development. By providing an accessible platform for Black and Latino entrepreneurs, it directly contributes to their economic mobility and fosters a stronger, more interconnected community. The AYA Foundation hopes to see the market expand into an even larger expo in the future, further increasing access and opportunities for these vital businesses. As Manuel emphasizes, “Every dollar spent here stays here. Every connection made helps build long-term economic mobility.”
Harambee Holiday Market vs. Typical Pop-Up Market
| Feature | Harambee Holiday Market | Typical Pop-Up Market |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor Booth Fee | $50 (for two days) | Often hundreds or thousands of dollars |
| Primary Mission | Support economic mobility, community building, culture | Commercial sales, profit-driven |
| Product Focus | Handmade, culturally rooted, unique local goods | Wide variety, potentially mass-produced items |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “Harambee” mean?
Harambee is a Swahili word meaning “all pull together,” reflecting the market’s mission of community and collective support. - Who hosts the Harambee Holiday Market?
The market is hosted by the AYA Foundation, a community organization dedicated to supporting economic mobility through small business and entrepreneurship. - What kind of products can I find at the market?
You’ll discover a diverse range of unique items, including books by Black authors, handmade jewelry, bags, quilts, specialty teas, skin-care products, and infused clarified butters, many with cultural roots. - Is there an admission fee to attend?
No, admission to the Harambee Holiday Market is free, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy and support local businesses. - Where is the market located in Denver?
The market takes place at New Hope Baptist Church in Denver.
By choosing to shop at the Harambee Holiday Market, Denver locals directly contribute to the success of diverse small businesses and help build a stronger, more economically vibrant community right in their own backyard.
Denver Harambee Market boosts Black Latino businesses
