When fans arrive for this Thursday’s St. Paul Saints game, they will get more than a summer’s evening cheering on the team at CHS Field in St. Paul’s Lowertown.
In addition to the action on the diamond, fans will be able to buy a children’s book by a Black author, meet a Black financial planner with advice about building generational wealth and snack on peach cobbler cooked up by a Black baker.
These Twin Cities-based Black-owned businesses are among those being highlighted at a Saints game that marks Black Business month in August.
Black Business Night at the Ballpark is an idea from Sheletta Brundidge, the broadcaster, podcaster and business owner of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com who is stepping up to the plate to partner with the Saints to sponsor the night.
“The Saints want to make sure they are connected as allies to Black small businesses; they wan to build relationships with us because they know we are the backbone of our community,” said Brundidge.
To support Black entrepreneurs, the Saints will give exposure to six local businesses with booths on the concourse where they will display and sell their products and share information about their services; the Saint have waived the usual vendor’s fee for them.
Businesses include Soul Grain granola, Lutunji’s Palate, Dream in Color Yoga, Crown the Writer publishing, Roberts Properties and ARA Wealth Management.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to represent my firm and I appreciate Sheletta and the Saints for giving us this opportunity to extend our reach,” said Ryan Brown, advisor for ARA Wealth Management.
“This is my chance to introduce myself, put a face with a name. Connecting our services to Black people is a mission of mine. As a Black business owner, I want to help others be successful with their finances,” he added.
Author, publisher and reading advocate Crown Shepherd will have a table full of books on display that feature children of color as their main characters.
“I love to make sure little kids get books in their hands that represent their lives and experiences, with their same skin tones and hair type,” Shepherd said. “This is exciting. It’s a way for us to get in front of a whole new audience that might not have found us without this event.”
Brundidge will throw out the first pitch before the game, when the Saints take on the Columbus Clippers. She has a background as a comedian, not an athlete, so Brundidge’s wind-up is sure to bring some smiles.
Black Business Month at the Ballpark includes a $6 general admission roaming ticket, free Play Zone wristbands for kids and drawings for prizes, including a chance to visit the ballpig, the Saints mascot, on the field.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.saints-groups.com, password: BlackBusiness for special rates.
On Thursday, August 8, gates at CHS Field will open at 5:30 p.m. and the first pitch by Sheletta Brundidge will be at 7:07 p.m.