African People's Farmers Market

About this listing

Thriving community-based farmers market

Place Details

Place Matters Profile

The African People's Farmer's Market is a locally owned fresh produce market. Born of a larger community movement that encouraged local black-owned and operated businesses, it is now a thriving neighborhood resource.

In 1987 local community activists began picketing a Bedford-Stuyvesant Korean grocer for what was seen as disrespect of black patrons. The protests continued daily for almost a year with Sista's Place cafe serving as a central spot for demonstrators. This larger story galvanized the creation of African People's Farmer's Market, to supply fresh produce in the area and encourage more black-owned and operated ventures. Community members renovated the space, which has an outdoor market feel and exterior displays of fruits and vegetables. Along with the adjacent Sista's Place cafe, the Market has become a community center, active in issues of racism, reparations for slavery and Pan-Africanism

The African People's Farmer's Market is a locally owned fresh produce market. Born of a larger community movement that encouraged local black-owned and operated businesses, it is now a thriving neighborhood resource.

In 1987 local community activists began picketing a Bedford-Stuyvesant Korean grocer for what was seen as disrespect of black patrons. The protests continued daily for almost a year with Sista's Place cafe serving as a central spot for demonstrators. This larger story galvanized the creation of African People's Farmer's Market, to supply fresh produce in the area and encourage more black-owned and operated ventures. Community members renovated the space, which has an outdoor market feel and exterior displays of fruits and vegetables. Along with the adjacent Sista's Place cafe, the Market has become a community center, active in issues of racism, reparations for slavery and Pan-Africanism

Sources

Braithwaite, Lionel. Interviewed by Madaha Kinsey-Lamb for Place Matters. November 2, 2001.

Nominations

Out of a community struggle boycotting Korean grocery stores, this market grew. It's important because black people must have businesses for themselves. For one year, in the cold and snow, 20-30 people picketed and eventually built their own market.