This new festive and cultural experience consists of emerging black entrepreneurs: Between 15 to 20 vendors will be offering various Caribbean and Dominican style foods and non-food products such as beauty supplies, information about community resources, collectibles, and apparel. This new experience is available from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. every Saturday until Saturday, Aug. 20, in Bank Alley near the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Commons.

In addition to the market, family-friendly live performances will be at the Bernie Milton Pavilion. This new program is made possible through a partnership between Black Hands Universal, a community not-for-program organization, and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. Maguire Hyundai Subaru Genesis and Tompkins Community Bank are sponsoring the marketplace.

“We wanted to help create a bridge in the divide that gentrification has brought to our city and bring our culture and energy to the downtown demographic. The BIPOC-owned and operated market will bring diversity to the downtown district that will help enlighten all to one another’s existence and minds. It will provide a casual and cultural experience. Also, this market will help bring change to marginalized and disenfranchised neighborhoods in our city as it will bring forth information about our organization and assist us in creating opportunities for the people we work with in this demographic,” says Harry Smith, Black Hands Universal director.

“We are thrilled to work with Black Hands Universal on this new program for downtown. Our goals for the Black Hands Universal Market Place are to provide space for emerging BIPOC entrepreneurs, provide outdoor market vendor training, incubate new businesses, and offer programming on Commons during a prime time,” adds Gary Ferguson, DIA executive director.

For additional information, call the DIA office at (607) 277-8679, visit the Black Hands Universal Facebook Page or visit downtownithaca.com.

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