Momentum Coffee is hosting a Vendor Empowerment Expo Pop-Up Shop on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 9 AM to 3 PM. In honor of Juneteenth, small, local businesses will showcase their items for sale at 2119 State Street, South Loop location in Chicago, Illinois. “This event is a way to commemorate the day by shopping small, local, and black!” says Tracy Powell, co-founder of Momentum Coffee, “It is important to support, empower, and collaborate with other small businesses.”
Momentum Vendor Empowerment Expo / Pop-up Shop
The expo will especially provide a platform for small businesses owned by people of color affected by the pandemic. Many of their businesses faltered or closed or laid off employees, a fate which Momentum Coffee narrowly escaped itself. The black-owned business opened in early 2020 before COVID-19 disrupted normal operations. Courtesy of their partnership with joe, a coffeehouse mobile ordering app, Momentum Coffee has efficiently found a way to keep their business operational. Although fortunate to keep its doors open, Momentum Coffee is helping other small businesses stay afloat through the power of the community. “What we know is that a strong community matters,” Nikki Bravo says, “And [by] us being part of this community, empowering the community… is what we’re here to do.” Brick-and-mortar local businesses attract customers based on convenience or providing a personal space for the community. Without these aspects, they are overshadowed by chain restaurants that can offer lower prices. For local businesses to survive, the community needs to choose them over large corporations actively. Fortunately, there are many benefits of buying locally, such as keeping money in the community, conserving energy and resources, and having access to products that cater to the specific desires of the community.
What is Juneteenth?
Besides uplifting small businesses, the expo aims to highlight the history of Juneteenth and its importance to the black community. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger and his federal troops rode into Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery through the Emancipation of Proclamation, signed nearly two and a half years prior. A year later, emancipated slaves commenced a celebration of their liberty by playing music, cooking food, and attending prayer services. The celebration became widespread as descendants of slaves migrated from the South and moved around the United States over the last 150 years. As a result, Juneteenth (a fusion of “June Nineteenth”) has become a state holiday in 47 states. In support of Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, the black community started an online petition with over one million signatures. Besides signing the petition, other great ways to celebrate the holiday include attending barbeques, going to marches or rallies, visiting museums and historical sites, and of course, buying from black-owned businesses. Those opting to celebrate indoors can post about the holiday on social media, attend seminars, consume black entertainment, and donate to black organizations.
How to celebrate Juneteenth?
Attend our pop-up shop and support small, local, and black owned businesses. And like other black-owned restaurant, Momentum Coffee will be offering a $6.19 special. It is the perfect way for guests to celebrate the holiday and to give back to the community!
Event: Momentum Coffee’s Vendor Empowerment Expo /Pop Up Shop ( walking distance from Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place)
Location: 2119 S State Street Chicago IL 60616 (South Loop)
Date/Time: Juneteenth June 19, 2021
Special: Small drink + food item for $6.19
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