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CULTURE: COMMUNITY ARTIST COLLECTIVE CELEBRATING FOURTEEN YEARS OF ASHE HOLIDAY MARKET
By Kathleen Colman, Arts & Entertainment Editor, www.StyleMagazine.com
Monae Jacobs, Sandi Patterson, Patrick Grady, and Shanequa Smith. (Photos: Kathleen Coleman)
The Community Artists’ Collective kicks off its fourteenth Annual Ashé Holiday Market on December 10, 2021, at The Collective, 4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116. The market is part of The Collective's entrepreneurial program which allows the artists to show off their talents and skills. Creatives participating in the 2021 Ashe Holiday Market are Monae Jacobs, Sandi Patterson, Patrick Grady, Shanequa Smith. The market provides unique and original gifts for visitors, such as hand-painted scarves, earrings, and one-of-a-kind three-dimensional works of art. Every other Thursday of the month activities is planned such as wreath making or creating art ornaments Special activities are planned for children and their families from 1 to 3 p.m. on the market’s last two days (December 30-31). After the first weekend, the Ashé Holiday Market will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 12 noon until 5 p.m. and by appointment through Friday, December 31, 2021. For more information contact The Collective at 713-523-1616.
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By Alexandria Jack, Food Writer - www.StyleMagazine.com
Brotha Bakes Robert Thomas owner of District Market Green Grocer Mark 61 Cattle Company
The one question I hear very often is, "How can we circulate the black dollar in our communities?" First of all, it's a conscious choice. Secondly, I am so glad to be alive in 2021 because for whatever you buy from the mainstream marketplace there is a black-owned version of it that is of better quality. Quality is the name of the game for many consumers. We no longer want factory farm beef or assembly line cookies; we crave the best. And the best we shall get! There are markets and grocers in Houston that provide products that are for us by us. Being that we have a massive impact on the U.S economy with reports saying that we spend as much as 300 billion dollars on goods and services. Studies also show that the black dollar stays in our community for 6 hours compared to other communities. Let's change that! It is now time to bring that money home! Once District 1960 Nightclub, District Market Green Grocer is one of the places that I would direct you to first. Opening up on Black Friday, owner Robert Thomas teamed up with many local black businesses to showcase amazing products. District market has a huge selection of products from grass-fed beef to washing powder. I promise you will walk out with something you need and want. From the way it is looking now in the beginning stages, I know that District Market will be a competitor for big chain stores. The best part is that the quality of what you are getting there is unmatched. At District Market you will find products like grass-fed beef by Mark 61 Cattle Company, Daranne's Soul Rolls, Arousing Aromas 100% soy candles, Jeneral Soul Kitchen Sea Moss, Avocado Crack, Rooted Vegan Cuisine, fresh produce, and a juice bar. Thomas's vision of bringing accessibility to our community and beyond is here. Food insecurity and food desert is a term that is very important as we expand the black dollar. That is what inspired Sade Perkins to open up the Freedmen's Town Farmers Market located in the historical Forth Ward, one year ago. Bringing a selection of fresh produce and local artisan products, Freedmen's Town Farmers Market is much needed in this community. One of the most amazing features is that they accept SNAP/EBT benefits, which allow more people to have access to healthier and better-quality foods. At Freedmen's Town, you will find products like D.A.D's coffee, Hardy Farmz produce, Brotha Bakes cakes in a jar, Amoree's Cookies, Honey Man Mills Honey, Orijin Hibiscus Beverages, Fuller Blessing Teas, Belly of the Beast Bacon and so much more. In Houston, we are still in the beginning phases of expanding the black marketplace, especially in the grocery scene. Not only is this amazing for the economy but also our health. Please support these amazing venues that have the goal of supporting us. District Market Green Grocer is open Tuesday to Saturday 10 am-9p at 3337 Cypress Creek Parkway Houston, Tx 77068. Follow them on Instagram @ districtmarket_greengrocer to be up to date on current and new arrival products as they expand. Visit Freedmen's Town Farmers Market on Saturdays 9 am-2 pm at 1108 Victor Street Houston, TX 77019. Follow on Instagram for more info @freedmenstownfarmersmarket.
