‘Spend In The Black’ Brings ‘Booming’ Business To 75th Street Corridor in Chatham
Some vendors sold out before the day was over, “a good problem to have,” said Ald. William Hall. This was the second annual event uplifting Black-owned businesses — and it’ll be back again next year, Hall said.
On a sunny Saturday, the 75th Street corridor in Chatham transformed into a vibrant hub of activity as thousands of residents gathered for the second annual "Spend in the Black: Resurrecting the Black Dollar" event. Organized by Rev. Charlie E. Dates, senior pastor at Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, and Ald. William Hall (6th), the day-long celebration aimed to uplift Black-owned businesses and encourage community members to support local entrepreneurs.
Last year's event had already exceeded expectations, with shoppers spending over $1 million on goods and services, surpassing initial projections by more than double. This year's "Spend in the Black" promised over 100 Black-owned vendors, offering a diverse range of products and services. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the city's Black-owned businesses and their contributions to the community.
As rainy skies cleared, the atmosphere along the 75th Street corridor became electric. Children played basketball on makeshift courts, while DJ Yancy, also known as Ald. Desmon Yancy (5th), entertained the crowd with a lively mix of music. The event's popularity was evident as people flocked to the area, eager to support local businesses and enjoy the festivities.
By the afternoon, many vendors were already experiencing high sales, with some even selling out of their goods. Ald. William Hall described this as a "good problem to have," highlighting the success of the event in driving foot traffic to Black-owned businesses. Beloved Beverly restaurant Sanders BBQ was among the many businesses that saw increased sales, with items selling out quickly.
With hours left in the event, organizers reported that over 4,000 people had already passed through the corridor, and the number was expected to surpass last year's attendance. Officials were still calculating final sales figures, but early indications suggested that the event would once again exceed financial expectations.
One of the first businesses to greet guests was Me and My Bears Mobile, a mobile build-your-bear experience that brings customizable stuffed animals to parties and events. Co-founder Chinyere Okafor-Conley explained that the business aims to "skip the mall, because we come to y'all." Lines of children eagerly awaited their turn to create unique stuffed dinosaurs and teddy bears, each adorned with colorful outfits. Okafor-Conley emphasized that the business is not just about building stuffed animals; it's about creating memories and special moments for families.
The "Spend in the Black" event not only showcased the vibrancy of the 75th Street corridor but also highlighted the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of Black-owned businesses in the area. By fostering a sense of community and encouraging residents to support local vendors, the event has become an annual tradition that not only boosts the local economy but also strengthens the social fabric of Chatham.
As the sun began to set on the event, attendees left with a renewed sense of pride in their community and a commitment to continue supporting Black-owned businesses. The success of "Spend in the Black" serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of uplifting local entrepreneurs. With plans already underway for the event's return next year, residents can look forward to another day of celebration and economic empowerment on the bustling 75th Street corridor.
