CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH @THE BUY BLACK MARKET!
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.
THURS, JUNE 19TH, 2025
5:00PM-9:00PM
FITCHBURG CITY HALL:
718 MAIN STREET
FITCHBURG, MA 01420
RSVP Here:
Celebrate Juneteenth with Us!
The Buy Black Market returns to Fitchburg for an expanded Juneteenth celebration that honors the historical significance of June 19th while creating space for Black entrepreneurship, artistic expression, and community connection.
This year's event transforms both the interior of City Hall and the surrounding grounds into a vibrant marketplace featuring 25 Black-owned businesses, live entertainment, cultural presentations, and delicious food from Two Brothers Catering.
Join us for an evening of shopping, learning, connecting, and celebrating freedom in all its forms.
Event Highlights
Black-Owned Marketplace: Discover unique products and services from 25 talented entrepreneurs
Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances coordinated by CoFF33 Corp throughout the evening
Cultural Presentations: Learn about the historical significance of Juneteenth
Culinary Excellence: Savor delicious offerings from Two Brothers Catering
Community Connections: Build relationships with neighbors and local business owners
Interactive Elements: Engage with historical exhibits from the Fitchburg Historical Society
Community Partnership
The Buy Black Market is proud to partner with the Community Juneteenth Collaborative Celebration taking place on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Riverfront Park (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM).
Together, these events create a weekend-long opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth and support Black culture and entrepreneurship in Fitchburg. We encourage the community to attend both celebrations!
For Vendors
We're currently accepting applications from Black-owned businesses interested in participating as vendors at the Buy Black Market and/or the Community Juneteenth Celebration.
Vendor Options:
Buy Black Market Only: $25
Community Celebration Only: $25
Both Events: $40 (Save $10!)
Fitchburg Vendors (01420): Your Buy Black Market fee is waived! Participate in both events for just $20.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Join the Celebration
Interested in being part of this important community event? Here's how you can participate:
Become a Vendor: Showcase your Black-owned business [Apply Now]
Volunteer: Help make this event successful [Volunteer Form]
Sponsor: Support this celebration financially or with in-kind donations [Sponsorship Information]
Spread the Word: Share this event with your networks [Social Media Kit]
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.
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:
City of Fitchburg
Fitchburg Cultural Council
MassDevelopment/TDI Creative Cities Initiative
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
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.
Last year’s vendors:
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Christine E. Brown (FAWN)
Quilter and storyteller who uses fabric to explore connections and elevate textiles traditionally seen as "woman's work" to the realm of art.
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Shmontray Jacquett
Graphic designer and artist known for vibrant and culturally rich designs, also involved in various artistic endeavors under aliases like Jacques, Jack Na$ty, and Sham Bam Bigelow.
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Curly Hair Care Club
A youth-led initiative offering workshops to teach natural hair care for wavy to curly hair types, with all proceeds reinvested into the venture.
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Logically Unique
Designer, carpenter, and sewist creating unique, custom pieces that blend functionality with artistic expression.
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Baddies Bites
Offers gourmet waxed delights, combining culinary art with an innovative presentation.
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Mark Burnett (Burnett Studios)
Provides sculpture, painting, and photography workshops alongside studio rentals.
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Knitted.
Handmade, inclusively knit hats designed for comfort and style.
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I t s d o c
Fashion brand known for stylish, contemporary clothing.
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Music Mania TV
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Threads Unearthed
Features bespoke clothing and textiles, crafted to unearth and celebrate historical and cultural narratives.
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Digi Chivetta
Massachusetts-based artist and former fashion designer, Digi's work evolves from knitwear to fine art, incorporating various media from carved details to embroidered canvases. Notably featured in Vogue Knitting and the Venice International Art Fair, her art is celebrated for its deep symbolism and has been displayed prominently, including a recent exhibition at the Fitchburg Art Museum.
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Jay’s Italian Iced
Cool off with frerh serve ItalianIce
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Fritz Music Legacy School
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Dems and Jewels By Saafyr
Feel the Rhythm, Enjoy the Vibes
Get ready to be entertained by local DJs, Artists, and experience moving spoken word performances that capture the souls of our culture
Nasih
Nasih
DJ Renzo
DJ Renzo
Provenance
Provenance
DonTa’
DonTa’
J. Jordan
J. Jordan
“Black in the Burg” Speakers
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.
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Kenisha Coy, a distinguished moderator known for her insightful guidance and adept handling of discourse, brings a wealth of experience in fostering meaningful conversations across diverse topics.
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Demetrice Phillips combines his rich background as a former Fitchburg police officer and a professor of business management with his entrepreneurial spirit as the founder of Dad’s Doing It. His extensive experience offers invaluable insights into professional development, business acumen, and community engagement.
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Rev. Annie Belmer, recently relocated from Lynn, is the pastor at First Baptist Church in Fitchburg and the founder of Treehouse Music. A lead organizer of the Juneteenth Collaborative Collective and a member of the Council on Aging, Rev. Belmer brings a fresh perspective and dedicated leadership to the local community.
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Mary-Alexandra Molina, a visionary co-founder of Mics for the Missing, currently serves in the Fitchburg Public School system. Known for her commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, she leverages innovative strategies to address vital community issues.
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Geoff Killebrew, involved in projects like the Family Arts in Music Event Group and the Worcester Renaissance Project, is renowned for his dynamic role in organizing impactful cultural events. A musician and activist, Geoff’s work embodies his deep commitment to enriching the community through arts and activism.
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Krista Ford-Rhodes, formerly of New Orleans, now serves on the Human Rights Commission Committee in Fitchburg. With a rich family history in the city, she is a vital part of Three Pyramids Inc, where she plays a significant role in shaping local initiatives and fostering community development.
Meet the Team: People Behind the Celebration
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Derek “YDD” Craig
CHIEF VISIONARY OFFICER
Spearheads creative and strategic planning, ensuring the event’s vision aligns with community values and goals
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Joe “ShoTyme” Murchison
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Manages logistical elements and operational details, ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently
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Tiana Burnett, Alignment Auntie
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Serves as the primary liaison for community ivolvement, enhancing connectivity and collboration among participants and stakeholdrs.
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Christine E. Brown
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Acts as the central hub for all event activities, maintaining project timelines and holding the team accountable
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Theo Demosthenes
COMMUNITY OUTREACH LEAER
Utilizes deep community ties to mobilize resources and support, fostering a strong community presence and participation in the event.