CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH
at THE BUY BLACK MARKET

& canvas after party

Immerse yourself in a day filled with cultural celebration, empowerment, and community at the heart of Fitchburg. Enjoy activities, performances, and a marketplace brimming with Black-owned businesses.

friday, JUNE 19TH, 2026
buy black market 3:00 - 6:00 PM

FITCHBURG CITY HALL: 718 MAIN STREET FITCHBURG, MA 01420


CANVAS AFTER PARTY 6:00 - 7:00 PM

FITCHBURG CITY HALL: 326 MAIN STREET FITCHBURG, MA 01420

Event Highlights

  • Panelist Discussion: Black in the Burg Panelists offer their perspectives on timely and important topics affecting our community.

  • Food and drink: Kickback with a drink and some food on the second floor lounge. Catered Roots Natural Foods.
    https://www.rootsnaturalfoods.com

  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by Toussaint the Liberator, AV, and multiplayer video games by Multiplayer Gaming Center

  • Black-Owned Marketplace: Discover unique products and services from talented entrepreneurs

  • Cultural Presentations: Learn about the historical significance of Juneteenth

  • Community Connections: Build relationships with neighbors and local business owners

  • After Party: Hit the after party at Canvas and catch performances by BKG & Lateral, Saafyt, W3MAYB3CUZNS, J. Jordan, Q-furb, and DJ N0$APP! Catered by Two Brothers. https://www.2broseat.com

Black in the Burg: Panel Discussion

VOICES OF KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRATION
Listen and engage with leaders discussing the historical significance of Juneteenth and the impact of Black entrepreneurship on our community.
Moderator: Rev. Annie Belmer
Panelists: Christian Lopez, Kimatra Maxwell, Kimrah Minuty, James Rowe Jr., and Bruce Wells

  • LEONA WHETZEL

    PANELIST
    Chief Opportunity Officer at Making Opportunity Count (MOC) with nearly four decades of service dedicated to advancing opportunities and improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Leona also serves as President of the Three Pyramids Board of Directors and the North Central Massachusetts Minority Coalition and holds certifications in Diversity & Inclusion and Psychology Leadership from Cornell University.

  • LATASHA HUGHES

    PANELIST
    Comedian, producer, wellness coach, and aspiring author. Latasha is the recipient of the 2020 Women In Action Certificate of Excellence and a Mayoral Certificate for her work empowering women to develop and achieve their life goals while strengthening communities through leadership and service.

  • ISIAH ADAMU

    PANELIST
    Recent Sizer School graduate, Ecoloop intern, and future finance and entrepreneurship student. Isiah is passionate about personal growth, community service, and leadership, and actively volunteers with New Hope Community Church in Ayer, Massachusetts.

  • AABIDAH MUHAMMAD

    PANELIST
    Singer-songwriter, creative organizer, and founder of Sunflowerdilah, a creative initiative centered on healing, self-expression, and community connection. Through art, music, storytelling, and sunflower-inspired products, she inspires joy, reflection, and personal growth. She also serves as a Creative Partner with Gems & Jewels.

  • Cedric Arno

    MODERATOR/CURATOR
    Media professional, storyteller, and advocate for the transformative power of hip-hop culture. Cedric's mission is to elevate hip-hop as a global storytelling force and leverage media as a tool for education, empowerment, and positive community impact.

Discover Local Black-Owned Businesses

Explore a diverse array of products and services offered by local Black entrepreneurs. From artisans to food vendors, this market is a beacon of talent and creativity.

  • Gems & Jewels

    Gems & Jewels

    Radical Arts Initiative empowering BIPOC & LGBTQ+ & Allies in performing arts, education, and wellness led by the Dream Team.
    Instagram: @gemsnjewelsxs

  • Jay’s Italian Ices

    Jay’s Italian Ices

    Cool off with fresh serve Little Jimmy’s Italian Ice.
    Facebook: @jaysitalianice1
    Instagram: @jaysitalianice1

  • Artful faces & Henna hues

    Artful faces & Henna hues

    Teen artist in the house! She is passionate about art and would like to show case her art and art merchandise. She is one of youngest face painters / Henna artist who is super awesome
    Instagram: Artify_bytasha
    Facebook: Henna Artistry

  • Phoenyx Artt

    Phoenyx Artt

    A mix of digital art as well as oil painting. Designs are put onto cups, cotton totes, mousepads, high quality paper, apparel, and other items.
    https://phoenyxartt.com/
    Instagram: @phoenyxartt
    Facebook: @phoenyxartt
    Etsy: PhoenyxArtt

  • Yvonne Andrews/ metamorphosis

    Yvonne Andrews/ metamorphosis

    Training and education, advocacy, neurodiversity, coaching, life, and spiritual. I’ll offer a free raffle for zen gardens, and activities for young and old.
    Creatingthechange.net

  • Noirpapillon Artist Group

    Noirpapillon Artist Group

    Figurative visual artist, working with multiple media out of Fitchburg, MA!

  • Jeanne D'arc Credit Union

    Jeanne D'arc Credit Union

    Full service financial institution serving personal and small businesses in the Massachusetts and New Hampshire communities.

  • Dennel Cake LLC

    Dennel Cake LLC

    Dennel Cake, LLC. is an independent video game company that was officially founded in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on December 7th, 2017. We take a lot of pride in each project we work on, and try our absolute best to deliver a great experience for anyone playing our games.

    Everything Dennel Cake, LLC. stands for revolves around a single idea: 
    Making stories playable.

  • Germaine Hughes

    Germaine Hughes

    Local author, artist, and rapperLocal author, artist, and rapper

Feel the Rhythm, Enjoy the Vibes

Join us after the Buy Black Market at Canvas for a night of music, drinks, and more food!

BKG & Lateral
saafyr
w3mayb3cuzns
j. jordan
Q-furb
dj n0$app

Event Organizers

The Buy Black Market is produced by CoFF33 Corp, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering creatives through programs, events, and community initiatives.

With Support From:

The Buy Black Market is committed to creating accessible, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all community members.

Contact Information

Event Coordinator:

Derek Craig
Admin@CoFF33Corp.org

About Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Army General Gordon Granger announced federal orders in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming that all enslaved people in Texas were free—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. It was declared a federal holiday in 2021.