In 2022, the African American Heritage Celebration returned to Pinewood Cultural Park after a 10-year break. The event, organized by Shauné Ferguson, Senior Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships with Pinellas County Schools, put the lens on African American history and culture, as displayed by local students.
The celebration took place across various Florida locales, including the Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village, and Creative Pinellas. With a mix of entertainment such as spoken word poetry, dance performances, and marching bands, the event also featured youth-led exhibitions and traditional craft showcases.
In a statement, Ferguson explained that the event’s central goal was to highlight Black-owned businesses and artists, offering a platform for vendors to showcase their unique products and services. The event formed new business connections, introducing attendees to diverse offerings they had not been previously exposed to.
The event spotlighted several Black-owned businesses including “Just 1 Taste,” a food truck offering signature dishes, “The Colour Brown,” a mixed-media art venture, and “Blingin’ with Britt,” a jewelry business. Other enterprises included “Nataki On! Cosmetics,” a plant-based skincare brand, “Kinky Rootz Naturals,” a herbal and vegetable-based haircare line, and “Urban Granola,” a gourmet granola brand sourcing from local farms.
“LYS Body Care,” a body care business founded by Shon and Shonda Church, was another notable feature. Known for their body butters and oils, their most popular product is the “Butt Naked” fragrance. Driven by demand, the enterprises expanded to include a cleanser for fake lashes and lip products.
The event offered an opportunity for Black business owners to interact with existing customers and attract new ones. Moreover, startups learned effective business strategies by observing established companies operating within the event.
In conclusion, the revived African American Heritage Celebration served as a growth engine for local Black businesses, highlighting the importance of such platforms in nourishing and promoting Black entrepreneurship.