amex byblack in the arts district

AMERICAN EXPRESS DOING BIG THINGS THIS WEEKEND IN DOWNTOWN LA BYBLACK

POP UP IN THE ARTS DISTRICT

The pop-up marketplace will prioritize black-owned businesses that do not have a physical store presence to help them connect with customers this holiday season and feature 16 national and local brands in fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle.

Pop-up shopping experiences are the third most popular activity that consumers seek out during the holiday period, according to the American Express Shop Small Impact Survey.

This weekend, American Express will open ByBlack Bazaar, a popup marketplace curated by the acclaimed creator, actress, and LA native Issa Rae.

Guests will enjoy music from DJs LIV.E, Oh M.O.S. & KISS, NU, DJ Millie, and Brian Henry, and complimentary gift wrap by Black Paper Party will be provided for any purchases made at the marketplace.

Located at 1005 Mateo Street ByBlack Bazaar will feature DANZY Design Studio, founded by Marshall Danzy Taulbert in 2018, SKNMUSE beauty brand, and Ascension Earth founded by Max Hemphill in 2018.

Top vendors include SammyB Designs created by Samantha Black, Miletree Candles launched in November 2020 by Shanice, and Mel D Cole, one of Hip Hop’s most accomplished having worked with Hip Hop and R&B stars Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Erykah Badu and more.

QUEEN LA a Black-woman owned creative plant store and e-commerce company and No Free Coffee founded by Mario Kristian in 2020, will also welcome event visitors.

All the way from Long Beach comes Eddie’s Liquor, a bookstore and creative agency that offers support and a safe space for local creatives.

ByBlack is a national business directory and certification program for Black-owned businesses created by U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and expanded in partnership with American Express.

American Express X NBA 2K22

EXPERIENCE

Gamers, (aka MyPLAYER’s to the NBA 2K21 game), know NBA 2K games allow you to create your ideal baller from the ground up, with unique customizations that put you in control of your path to basketball stardom.

Enter American Express! For the first time ever, Amex Card members will be able to claim some of the most soughtafter digital merchandise for their NBA 2K MyPlayer, including gear from Just Don, OVO, Mitchell & Ness, Under Armour and more. As part of the partnership, shoppers who purchase NBA 2K22 online at 2K Store with an Amex Card can receive up to 35,000 in virtual currency that can be spent on in-game purchases. During this weekend’s pop up, fans who stop by the Face Scan Studio will have the opportunity to enhance their MyPlayer by taking highquality face scans, which can then be uploaded through the 2K app to get a true-to-life look to be used in the game. Immersive Sights and Sounds: With wall-to-wall mirrors, fans will be able to experience the “Infinity Cube” which will immerse them into the sights and sounds of NBA 2K22 in a whole new way and capture the moment with shareable photos. To outfit card members and fans at Staple Center will have access to NBA gear for purchase, in addition to complimentary sneaker cleanings throughout the weekend.

Paul George vs. WNBA star Breanna Stewart Fans at the American Express x NBA2K22 Experience and around the world will be able to watch NBA star Paul George and WNBA star Breanna Stewart face off in a highly anticipated NBA 2K22 matchup livestreamed from the American Express x NBA 2K22 Experience.

For those who can’t make it the event and match, hosted by Alexis Morgan, will be streamed via the NBA Twitch.