By Charles Warren, The Freelancer, V&V Contributing Writer
On Sunday, April 27, hundreds of community members gathered at the World Beat Cultural Center in Balboa Park to support and celebrate African American entrepreneurs at the Black Biz Flea Market. With rows of vendors showcasing handmade crafts, clothing, skincare products, art, and more, the event was more than a market, it was a cultural homecoming.
San Diego native and Helix High School alumna D’Jatarya Powell, a recent film graduate originally from Modesto, co-founded the event. For Powell, this market is more than a commercial endeavor; it’s a commemoration of culture, strength, and community.
“We’ve always found a way to make something happen,” Powell said. “And so I think the best word for that is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship has always been our bread and butter. And so when we come here to celebrate, that’s in the form of, again, circulating that Black dollar.”
Powell emphasized that the market wasn’t just about commerce, but community — friends reuniting, families dancing to familiar tunes, and visitors snapping photos in front of colorful vendor displays.
“We are at the historical World Beat Cultural Center, and so we understand that this particular venue is really a Mecca for indigenous cultures and celebration and honoring that,” Powell added. “So we just feel like it was the perfect pair.”
The event buzzed with energy, live music, and the aroma of food from Black-owned vendors. As people browsed, laughed, and danced, the power of unity through economic empowerment was evident. The Black Biz Flea Market didn’t just support small businesses — it nurtured a growing movement of cultural pride and self-determination.
More than just a place to buy and sell, it stood as a lively testament to the resilience and energy of San Diego’s Black community.
As the movement to support Black entrepreneurship continues to grow, one question remains: How can we further empower and sustain Black-owned businesses in our communities year-round?
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