ETHS is once again hosting its annual vendor showcase, ETHS’ Black History Month Business Alliance Affair, on February 28th. The event highlighted Black-owned businesses, selling their products and services.
During Black History Month last year, the showcase was at ETHS in the main lobby, targeting students and staff who have small businesses to come down during lunch blocks and after school to sell any small business items to the ETHS community.
Ebony Redmond, who organized the event, is known for doing events like this before being a staff member at ETHS, originally owning her own restaurant a few years back, called “Da Blaq Affair,” and doing the same thing.
“Being here in this building, there are so many talented people, whether it’s students or staff who have small businesses as well, and I said, what if I brought that here?” questions Redmond.
Her event was originally hosted in the Fleetwood-Jourdain Center at the gymnasium with about 60 vendors. She showcased this event twice before, the first event being “Spring Fling” themed and her second one a winter edition, both being huge successes.
Transitioning to now, this year’s ETHS showcase, Redmond, brought that same event to ETHS. Her main priority was to create an event where others could be a part of a great crowd.
The showcase is meant for vendors to gain the opportunity to sell their products while still engaging with ETHS students and staff, along with Evanston family and community members.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do, including supporting Black-owned businesses and reinforcing Black pride, unity and self-determination, while continuing the legacy of economic empowerment that sustains our community,” says Redmond.
Redmond desires for others to feel inspired to come, not solely to purchase, but to engage, learn and enjoy.
The event will have a live DJ, plenty of food, active workout sessions and much more.
Community vendors include Women of Fitness and C&W. Other vendors expected are clothing, art and graduating gear vendors for seniors.
If this sounds interesting, come celebrate small Black-owned businesses and Black excellence in our community at the ETHS’ field house, Saturday, February 28th, from 11 am to 5 pm.
“Buying black is both a celebration and an investment in our collective future. We look forward to celebrating black culture and this historic 100-year legacy,” states Redmond.
