Shop from over 20 Black-owned businesses when this local market returns this weekend

The Making Black History Market returns to Tucson Hop Shop this weekend for its second year.

The market runs from 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. and features over two dozen local Black artists who create handmade goodies including clothing, baked goods, candles, jewelry and more.

Some of the makers include Clever Stitches, who’s bringing colorful crocheted blankets, purses and beanies, Lilith and Daughters, Lil' Desert Doodles, Chez Peachy, Black Broccoli and Pure Lotus Scents.

There will also be food from D’s Island Grill and On The Fly Kitchen. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without music — Freddy Jay and Jaca Zulu will provide live music throughout the afternoon. This year’s market also supports the local organization Splinter Collective.

The theme for the market is “you’re invited to the cookout,” said Sharly Scannell, the maker behind Clever Stitches, who is one of the co-founders of the market. 

“We want to invite our community to something that is sacred to the Black community which is our get-togethers and reunions,” Scannell said in an Instagram message. “It’s intimate, it’s fun, there’s good food. Lots of laughs, lots of dancing and it’s also economically great for the small-business owners. We want the community to support us by giving monetary value, sharing posts and just showing up and dancing are ways the community can show their support and their solidarity for our efforts.”

The Making Black History Market was founded by Scannell and local artisans Cyn McManus, who owns Lilith and Daughters, and Hailey Dukart, who runs Lil' Desert Doodles.

Scannell said she's excited that the market is returning for its second year.

“This market is definitely a passion project,” Scannell said. “It was a brainchild of mine that was implemented last year by my good friends and co-creators, Cyn and Hailey, who really helped me get this market off the ground. I feel very emotional about this market because it’s my way to give back to the beautiful Tucson community and create a platform showcasing Black businesses.”

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The Making Black History Market focuses on sharing “the Black experience, culture and resources,” according to Scannell.

“Black Americans have been given lemons, but we historically have turned those lemons into lemonade and that product is unique, beautiful, sweet and authentic and is expressed through our art forms,” she said. “People can experience our culture — from our food, our style and sound.”

Although the Making Black History Market currently happens annually, Scannell hopes the market will become a regular event throughout the year.

“I hope that we’re able to possibly have quarterly markets because we should not just recognize our history and celebrate our Black community once out of the month,” she said. “Because we are here making Black history every day! The Tucson Hop Shop is so generous by making it easy for us to make this market accessible for Black-owned businesses. For that, I’m forever grateful and excited for our future markets together.”

If you go

What: Making Black History Market.

When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17.

Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, but bring money for handmade goodies, food and drinks!

For more information, visit the event's Instagram page.