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Our Team.
The Jax Melanin Market was born out of resilience, community, and an unshakable commitment to economic empowerment. What started as a spontaneous act of resistance against exclusion has evolved into a powerful movement—one that uplifts Black-owned businesses, celebrates culture, and strengthens the Historic Eastside.
Behind this impact is a team of visionaries, organizers, and community leaders who believe in the power of collective action.
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About Us
The Birth of the Melanin Market
In the heart of Historic Eastside, a promise was made that aimed to ignite economic growth along the community’s once-thriving business corridor. An organization, keen to revitalize the area, visited each local business, gathering ideas and feedback for a new marketplace—a project intended to spark local prosperity. Business owners envisioned an event that would breathe life into their street, drawing in residents and customers alike.
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However, when the day of the event arrived, something was amiss. Instead of the bustling marketplace envisioned by the local business community, the event was set up on vacant lots far removed from the very businesses it was meant to support. Confusion and disappointment quickly spread. One observant resident, curious about the suddenly blocked-off street, approached a nearby business owner who admitted they had no clue about the happenings. Driven by concern and a desire to protect the community’s interests, the resident investigated further and discovered that the organization behind the event was the same one that had promised to work hand in hand with the local businesses.
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Unwilling to let their community be sidelined, a passionate business owner reached out to a close friend known for orchestrating community events. Together, they rallied local business owners, enlisted a DJ, and set up an impromptu market right on the sidewalk—right where the community lived and worked. As word spread, curious locals began drifting over from the original event, drawn by the authentic energy and sense of belonging. Before long, what started as a small, determined gathering blossomed into a thriving sidewalk market that truly celebrated the spirit of the neighborhood.
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Inspired by this unexpected success, community leaders and business owners joined forces to create something even bigger. With just six weeks to pull it off, they transformed the marketplace into a grand Black History event. Over 100 business owners took part, and a vibrant parade featuring around 80 groups—from high school and HBCU bands to social clubs, bike clubs, fraternities, sororities, schools, and dance groups—wove through the streets in a celebration of culture, resilience, and unity.
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Fast forward to 2025, and the impact of that bold decision resonates throughout the community. The Melanin Market has grown into a powerful platform, giving over $70,000 in mini-grants to support local initiatives, hosting business education workshops for more than 500 small business owners, and touching the lives of over 1,000 children through back-to-school giveaways, fall festivals, Christmas events, a summer splash waterpark, and historical tours that honor the legacy of a once-thriving African American community.
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For a third-generation resident and business owner, the Melanin Market is more than just an event—it’s a legacy. It stands as a testament to community resilience, the power of grassroots organization, and the enduring commitment to uplift local businesses. It is a celebration of heritage, a call to support one another, and a beacon of hope for future generations, proving that when a community comes together, remarkable transformation is possible.