Juneteenth Festivities Thrive at Jacksonville’s Melanin Market With 150 Black Businesses

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As Juneteenth approaches, the Jacksonville community is gearing up for a vibrant celebration. Over 150 Black-owned enterprises adorned A Philip Randolph Boulevard on Saturday as part of the Melanin Market Juneteenth Celebration. This event highlights the richness of Black culture through innovation, business, and enjoyment. Kenneth Harvin, owner of Romaine’s Apparel and Accessories, expressed, “When we unite, we demonstrate our strength, making this gathering a significant blessing.” His partner, Tamara Harvin, noted that engaging with countless Black-owned boutiques fosters their business's growth. Also, Akayla Otis from Jacksonville Carnival emphasized the importance of showcasing global Black culture, including island influences. Reflecting on heritage, Jhoine Donnell of Cosmic Juice Bar remarked, “Acknowledging our history helps us understand our identity.” Since its founding, the Melanin Market has granted $70,000 in mini-grants and supported numerous local initiatives. Donnell concluded, “It’s wonderful to unite and celebrate businesses within our community.”