The Black Vendor Village in Clarington, and it promises to be a vibrant celebration of Black heritage, artistry, and community pride. This family-friendly event invites everyone to join in honoring the significant contributions of the Black community while enjoying a variety of activities, entertainment, shopping, and food.
The event will kick off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., hosted by MC James Morgan. Welcoming remarks will be given by Mayor Foster and members of Clarington’s Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee. This will be followed by live performances, including a performance by the Durham District School Board Lift Your Voice Choir, a spoken word performance by Tracy J, and a performance by the Fit and Dance Dimensions group. Ngoma Dance and Drum Ensemble will also take the stage to share powerful cultural expressions through dance and rhythm, further enriching the cultural experience for all attendees.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can explore over 45 local vendors, offering a variety of products such as fashion, jewelry, handcrafted goods, beauty products, arts, food, candles, and professional services. The event will also feature DJ Dreadie Love, aka Ameera McIntosh, spinning an eclectic mix of music throughout the day. Her selection of tunes will keep the atmosphere energetic and vibrant, allowing attendees to enjoy a wide range of musical styles while supporting local businesses.
Families can enjoy fun activities like face painting (free, 1 to 3 p.m.), hosted by Jamera DaCosta from Just J. Art, as well as interactive games like life-size Plinko, button-making, bookmark crafting, and colouring activities, all organized by the Clarington Library, Museums, and Archives. These activities will keep kids engaged and entertained while parents shop and explore the vendor booths.
A special highlight of the event is the Durham Region Transit Black History Month Bus, which will be on-site, featuring powerful quotes and visuals celebrating Black history and achievements. This mobile exhibit will serve as an educational experience, offering insights into the historical impact and ongoing contributions of the Black community to Canadian society.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to support local businesses and celebrate the rich history and culture of the Black community in Durham Region. It’s a day of family-friendly fun, learning, and connection that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re coming for the music, the shopping, the food, or the activities, the Black Vendor Village has something for everyone.
Event Details:
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Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Location: Clarington, Ontario
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Fee: Free
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Tickets: No tickets required. Just come and enjoy!
Come out and join the celebration of Black culture and community. We look forward to seeing you there!
