15 black-owned local businesses bring pop-up market to Patriot Place and Revolution Fan Zone before the Revs’ “Match for C.H.A.N.G.E.” on Saturday, Aug. 21
August 9, 2021 – During National Black Business Month this August, the New England Revolution and Black Owned Bos. have partnered to bring 15 local, black-owned businesses to a pop-up market at Patriot Place and the Revolution Fan Zone on Saturday, August 21 from 3:00 – 7:30 p.m. ET. The Black Owned Bos. Market will be open at the Patriot Place North Marketplace by CBS Sporting Club and Muse Paintbar, and in the Fan Zone (Lot 4A), from 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. ET. The first-place Revolution will then take on FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer action at Gillette Stadium (8:00 p.m. ET).
“We are honored to partner with the Revolution and Black Owned Bos. to support this important initiative and host the Black Owned Bos. Market at Patriot Place,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “Patriot Place looks forward to highlighting and celebrating these businesses and know our guests will enjoy shopping at this special market on August 21.”
Founded in March of 2019, Black Owned Bos. offers various services with the goal of highlighting and lifting Black owned businesses, places, spaces, and the people moving the culture forward in the Greater Boston Area. As a business service and consulting agency, Black Owned Bos. creates spaces to amplify, incubate, and support. To donate, get involved, or learn more about Black Owned Bos., visit blackownedbos.com.
“Creating visibility in diverse spaces is a great way to break down barriers and build invaluable connections for small-business owners,” said Jae’da Turner, founder and managing director of Black Owned Bos. “We look forward to bringing the Black Owned Bos. experience to Gillette Stadium, Patriot Place, and Revolution fans.”
The Black Owned Bos. Market is one of several initiatives this summer as part of the New England Revolution’s C.H.A.N.G.E. platform, dedicated to combatting inequity and promoting social justice. From now through August 13, the club is raising funds for BAMS Fest (Boston Art & Music Soul) through the “HeART & Soul Auction”. Local BAMS Fest artists met with Revolution players to draw inspiration for custom-painted soccer balls. Click here to view the balls and place a bid.
In July, the Revolution also launched the New England Revolution Players Collaborative Fund. A committee of Revolution players will donate $20,000 bimonthly to grassroots organizations leading the fight to end systemic racism and promote equity. The players’ first grant was awarded to Black Players for Change (BPC), an independent coalition of players, coaches, and staff from throughout Major League Soccer. BPC has committed the funds to the ongoing construction of dozens of mini soccer pitches nationwide.
Black-Owned Business Spotlight: Here is a closer look the 16 local businesses slated to participate in the Black Owned Bos. Market at Patriot Place on Saturday, August 21 (3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET):
- 195essential – 195essential is a Boston-based apparel company dedicated to merging purpose with profit. A collaboration by father-daughter duo Lena and Jason Harris, 195essential gives at least 10 percent of its profits to people and causes that help protect and support those around us most in need. The Revolution and 195essential previously partnered up for Pride Night in June as players wore their Essential Pride line of apparel to the match. (Shop – Instagram)
- A-Butter – Soon after Aaron Spencer adopted a plant-based vegan diet in 2018 on a quest to improve his overall health, he began experimenting with homemade almond butter. Not long after, A-Butter was born with unique flavors created in his own kitchen. A-Butter can be found at farmer’s markets throughout Boston. (Shop – Instagram)
- Adorn Me Africa – Adorn Me Africa is a subscription service and marketplace, purposed with delivering contemporary fashion from diverse and amazing African brands. Founded by Elorm Praise Dela-Seshie, Adorn Me Africa aims to give its clients new brands to fall in love with and new apparel to express their style while highlighting Africa’s evolving and vibrant ecosystem as well as its rich history and tradition. Visit Adorn Me Africa at their recently opened shop at Somerville’s Bow Market (Shop – Instagram)
- Beauty N Simplicity – Founded by CEO Mavis Hicks, this Quincy-based offers handcrafted, small-batch natural skincare and wellness products. (Shop – Instagram)
- Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies – Clarke’s Cakes & Cookies started from a family’s passion for creating healthier desserts for their children. As a woman-owned, family-supported business, their mission is to provide ethical plant-based products that do not compromise flavor. Founded in 2003 after 16 years of perfecting their craft, it is a new-generation bakery with a great, old-fashioned taste. (Shop – Instagram)
- Full Moon Botanica – Full Moon Botanica, a proud Black-owned family business, offers a variety of solutions for your spiritual and metaphysical needs. FMB strives to cultivate positivity, prosperity, and abundance by providing spiritual supplies based on traditional beliefs with a modern twist. Here you will find jewelry, candles, crystals, sage, smudge sticks, oils, herbs, and much more. (Shop – Instagram)
- Fusion Dolls – Fusion Dolls’ founder Widline Pyrame understands that representation matters. Established with a vision of inclusion for all children and a mission to spread diversity, awareness, and self-love, Fusion Dolls provides parents with easy access to Black and diverse dolls, helping teach children self-appreciation and self-esteem at an early age. Shop for Fusion Dolls online or visit them at the Westgate Mall in Brockton, Mass. (Shop – Instagram)
- Emerald City Plant Shop – Emerald City Plant Shop is a small, Black womxn-Owned plant shop based in Norwood, Mass. Their focus is on teaching people how to best care for their plants while providing quality plant selections, gardening supplies, and unique gifts to help make you, as well as the spaces you occupy, feel beautiful. (Shop – Instagram)
- Hillside Harvest – Born near Kingston, Jamaica, Kamaal Jarrett settled in Milton, Mass. with his family, where he developed a love for food and cooking. Today, Jarrett combines authentic Jamaican dishes with his American upbringing to carry on the tradition of introducing people to unique flavors and recipes. Hillside Harvest’s products are handcrafted, using simple ingredients to produce premium sauces that enhance every dish. (Shop – Instagram)
- House of Art & Craft – This female-owned and operated business based out of Randolph, Mass. produces a wide range of artfully handcrafted products including candles, aromatherapy and mediation products, accessories, and more. All materials are sustainable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Later this summer, House of Art & Craft is slated to open up shop at the new Charles River Speedway Marketplace in Brighton, Mass. (Shop – Instagram)
- Naturallovebyjj – Jhenane Joseph, or “J.J.”, founded Natural Love Skincare Products to offer those who suffer from eczema and dry skin with better, natural remedies. Using the natural healing properties of various plants, shea butter, cocoa butter, and various oils, J.J. leverages the powers of Mother Nature to alleviate flaky, itchy, and scaly skin and give her clients a boost of confidence. (Shop – Instagram)
- Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too – A one-stop shop for pet grooming, pet sitting, natural pet supplies, and giftware for you and your pet, Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too is located in Somerville, MA. (Shop – Instagram)
- The Little Cocoa Bean – The Little Cocoa Bean Company’s goal is to provide families with access to vital information, supplies, and services during their child’s first 1,000 days of life. Founded by owner Tracy Skelly, The Little Cocoa Bean Co. aims to teach all parents how to provide wholesome food that is packed with nutrients needed to develop healthy bodies and brains. (Shop – Instagram)
- True 9 Accessories – In 2018, True 9 Accessories emerged from the heart of Boston native, Nikia Holmes. The Dorchester native set out to create accessories that bridged the gap between the urban and corporate worlds; as she calls it, “a small rebellion for self-expression.” With a combination of her love of Boston, music, fashion, and the memories of her great-grandmother, she created versatile, chic, and fun handmade accessories for all. (Shop – Instagram)
To learn more about the club’s C.H.A.N.G.E. platform and to get involved, visit revolutionsoccer.net/change.
