BOM YEG Hosts a Free Market at the AGA to Celebrate Black History Month
Press Release
EDMONTON, Alta. — The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) and Black Owned Market Edmonton (BOM YEG) have partnered to curate the Black Futures Market, hosting 15 vendors inside the gallery to kick off Black History Month (BHM). On Feb. 5 & 6, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., anyone can join in celebrating the historic month in a colourful way; with a visit to the Art Gallery of Alberta and a peruse of the market, the market is free for all to attend. Shoppers can browse locally handmade goods, artworks, and items created by Alberta’s Black community.
BOM YEG is also launching their annual Sweetheart Box, which is a curated gift box filled with products from Black-owned brands across Canada. You can pre-order your box which includes local delivery or a limited quantity will be for sale over the Black Futures Market weekend.
“We’re very excited to launch our first market [of the year] during Black History Month. The Black Futures Market will take place at the stunning atrium of the Art Gallery of Alberta who is our venue sponsor,” says Rochelle Ignacio, co-founder of BOM YEG and recent Edify Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40.
Last year’s events shows AGA’s commitment to authentically celebrating Black History Month by giving Black-led organizations the opportunity to lead BHM initiatives. In partnership with YEG The Come Up, a youth collective of the Africa Centre, the AGA hosted a curated exhibit featuring local Black artists in the Community Gallery. Additionally the AGA hosted the 15th Anniversary exhibition from 5 Artists, 1 Love Black Every Day in March 2021. This year, the market also aims to support Black entrepreneurs and artisans.
“This is a great opportunity to continue your support for the future of Black entrepreneurs across Alberta and reduce the racial wealth gap,” says Ignacio. “We will be showcasing a variety of local vendors from artists, skincare, clothing and service providers. The market provides vendors with exposure to new clients and makes it easy to support the local Black economy. We’re bringing back some of our beloved BOM brands and excited to showcase some new brands.”
Vendors at the Black Futures Market include BOM YEG staples like body care specialists Buff Experts makeup brand Juicy K Cosmetics and lifestyle brand Oluchi Nayaa Global Lifestyles. Some newcomers to the BOM YEG space include KAHXI menswear athleisure line and Natural Humms Candle and Wellness. City Lending Centre will also be onsite offering financial advice and launching Edmonton’s first Black-owned credit card.
Sponsors of the market include Edmonton Community Foundation, Edmonton Downtown, AGA and Ladies Corner Magazine.
While entry is free, attendees are encouraged to reserve a space on Eventbrite and visit aga.com for gallery admission information.
In honour of Black History Month the High Level Bridge will be lit in shades of black and brown on the evening of February 5, 2022 to honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. Acknowledging Black History Month in this manner is a visual way to to honour Black people’s contributions to Edmonton’s history both past and present as we support the future of Edmonton’s Black community.
In addition to the Black Futures Market, BOM YEG has an ongoing pop-up at Unite by TMK in Kingsway Mall which showcases a selection of Black-owned brands and makes it easy to shop Black everyday. In addition to shopping Black, BOM YEG is encouraging people to find tangible ways to support the Black community such as through volunteering or donating to Edmonton’s Black Community Fund.
Media advisory
Media are invited to attend the market on February 5, preferably between 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. for interviews, photos and video opportunities.
Please email communications@bomyeg.ca to confirm your attendance.
Free General admission
About BOM YEG
The Black Owned Market Edmonton (BOM YEG) is a volunteer collective whose aim is to uplift, support and build Black owned businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives and community organizations in Edmonton using innovative platforms to connect with the community. Find BOM YEG online at bomyeg.ca and on Instagram @BOM.YEG.
