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CirculateMKE’s mobile markets connect customers with some of Milwaukee’s most diverse vendors. The market pops up again this Black Friday at PEAK Initiative in the Midtown neighborhood. (File photo provided by Shalina Ali)
There are many opportunities to shop for gifts on Black Friday, but it can be difficult to find places where the money you spend stays in our neighborhoods.
Here’s how you can shop local and support homegrown entrepreneurs of color today, on Black Friday and beyond.
(Did we miss anything (because we tried and know that we did)? Let us know in the comments or by emailing us at info@milwaukeenns.org)
Black Friday
CirculateMKE is back this year with entrepreneurs from all over the city. The seventh annual CirculateMKE Black Friday market runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 at PEAK Initiative, located at 2480 W. Cherry St. More information is available here. For questions, email circulatemke@gmail.com.
Sherman Phoenix All Black Friday features products from Milwaukee-area Black entrepreneurs. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 at Sherman Phoenix, located at 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. For more information, email events@shermanphoenix.com.
The Bronzeville Collective MKE is also hosting a Black Friday market featuring over 30 Black, Brown, Queer and Ally brands. The market runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 at the Bronzeville Collective’s location in the Harambee neighborhood, 339 W. North Ave. More information is available here.
The XChange event space is hosting a market featuring items from Black and Brown entrepreneurs and creatives on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Stop by between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27 to take part. More information is available here.
After Black Friday
Harold S. Vincent High School, an MPS school focused on the agricultural sciences, is hosting a makers market featuring items ranging from popcorn packets to lip balms to houseplants, all grown or made by students. The market takes place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7501 N. Granville Rd. More information is available here.
The Kujichagulia Holiday Market, featuring products from Sherman Phoenix businesses and the Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative, offers an opportunity to meet and support local entrepreneurs. The market runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 19 at the Sherman Phoenix, located at 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Songstress Keshena Armon will provide the live music.
MKE Black is a nonprofit that provides a directory of Black-owned businesses in the greater Milwaukee area. Its app, available here, directs you year-round to Black-owned businesses and organizations providing everything from mental health resources to catering.
Bronze Box offers collections of treats all sourced from local Black-owned businesses, and 20% of profits go to MKE Black. Vegan options available. Some boxes will not be available after Thursday, Nov. 25. Order here.
BONUS: Gift drives, registries and exchanges in our neighborhoods happening now
Metcalfe Park Community Bridges is holding a gift drive for the residents of Metcalfe Park. Between now and Dec. 8, pick an item from the organization’s wish list and donate to Metcalfe Park residents to help spread some holiday cheer. The wish list can be found here.
The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center is holding a toy drive for Native children 18 years old or younger. The toy drive will take place between 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 16. Interested parents must register by Dec. 9 and must provide proof of at least one child living in their residence, as well as the parent’s tribal ID, letter or proof of Native descendancy. For more information, contact Alicia Terry via email at artery@gliihc.net or by phone at 414-316-5004.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is holding a gift drive to benefit youth attending their programs. The gift drive is currently underway and runs through Friday, Dec. 10. View the gift list and purchase gifts to donate here.
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