Downtown Raleigh- The Black Farmers Market takes place every first and third Sunday from one to four p.m, bringing families, vendors and members of the community together. The market highlights Black-owned businesses while providing access to fresh produce in areas where healthy alternatives are limited.

Bringing something different each time, vendors offer a variety of items, such as fresh vegetables like garlic and beets, sauces, bean pies and trinkets. Throughout the market, families walked between tents, and children drew with sticks of chalk. 

 Since the market’s creation in 2020, it has consistently maintained a group of vendors and returning customers, even as locations change from week to week. Some visitors stopped to ask about courses and on-sale products, while others purchased merchandise from the staff’s tent. The market also allows smaller vendors to connect directly with customers in a shared community space.

According to a staff member, the market was designed to support both community connections and local businesses.“It gives Black people a place to come together and support each other’s businesses,” the staff member said. “We are here and at Durham Tech to provide fresh, healthy food for people in the area.”

One vendor, Shirelle, owner of Creations by Shirelle, has participated since the opening. What began as a simple request from a friend to use her talents eventually grew into a long-term sewing business.

For Shirelle, the market helps keep her work visible while connecting her with customers in person and through social media. “It’s good to buy local because you want those businesses to stay in business,” she said. “And when people keep showing up, it helps keep us going.” The market continues to serve as both a gathering place for the community and a platform for locals in downtown Raleigh.

Regardless of the time or place, over two hundred fifty thousand people live in the Raleigh-Durham area without nearby grocery stores. Bringing the small Black farmer population into the community to make a profit and fill locals’ refrigerators with fresh produce.