For years, FDR Park has been a staple for outdoor vendors and cultural spots like the Latino and Southeast Asian markets. And now, Philadelphians can check out its newest addition: the African American Market. 

Karen Harris, a retired healthcare professional, has worked for years to give Black entrepreneurs their own space in the park.

“I’m from South Philadelphia — like Will Smith says on his show, born and raised,” Harris said. “I’ve been coming to this park since I was a child. And I just thought we needed something else, another market to have out here, to diversify everything out here.”

The market is located by picnic areas 13 and 14 at FDR Park. (Julia Binswanger/Billy Penn)

The African American Market began in June and takes place every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a small community hub for Black-owned businesses — an eclectic mix of savory foods, sweet treats, juices, soaps, candles, original and vintage clothing, artisan crafts and more. 

“There was always an [Southeast] Asian market that’s been out here over 20 years, and then there was a Latino market that’s been out here three years,” Harris said. “So I felt the need that there should be an African American Market out here as well.”

Every tent at the market is Black-owned. The goal is to prop up local businesses that do not have the capacity to operate out of a brick-and-mortar store — at least not yet. 

“I’m an up-and-coming chef,” said Shaina Simon, who runs The Covered Chef food stand. “I specialize in breakfast, and I’m getting ready to open a breakfast store, so that’ll be my main thing.”

Pound cakes from Cakes by tha Pound. (Julia Binswanger/Billy Penn)

The Covered Chef’s planned restaurant does not yet have an opening date, but will be on Long Lane in Delaware County. Simon’s 10-year-old son, Sabur Hipps, manned the front of the stand on a recent Saturday.

“I make juices, lemonades — I make sweet teas,” Hipps said, adding that his favorite part of the market is helping his mom out.

In addition to food, local artists are selling their artwork. At Spiced Ltd, you can buy custom hats, with pins and patches made on the spot by two married designers, Terae Gregory and Paige Gbasie.

“People are most surprised when I’m like, ‘We’ll just press it for you right here,’ “ Gbasie said. “ ‘Like, oh, right now?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah!’ … Being able to have a creative experience where they walk away with something that they made today has been a surprise for people. It’s different for them.”

Terae Gregory and Paige Gbasie run Spiced, a local hat bar.

Tangie Robinson, a local zentangle artist, creates intricate, overlapping designs with gel point pens. She has a degree in behavioral science, and has worked with adjudicated teenage boys, teaching how to sketch detailed designs as a form of therapy. 

“The response to what I do has been very positive,” Robinson said. “And when I explain to them that I do it with gel point pens — Pilot G-2 gel point pens — they’re amazed. Some people think it’s coloring books, but it’s not a coloring book. It’s blank paper, and I created this.”

Although the market has been operating for only a few months, vendors say that there are already community ties forming. 

“It has been the most amazing experience coming out here. I’m telling you, it’s a happy place,” said Christine Sumayyah, who sells beaded bracelets. “It’s a peaceful environment. People are so comfortable with each other. We network well with each other. It’s kind of like a family feeling down here.”

Bracelets from Arm Candy at the African American Market. (Julia Binswanger/ Billy Penn)

Sumayyah’s business is called Arm Candy. She picked up beading in her free time, and also sells bracelets out of her daughter’s hair salon. 

“I’m telling you, this experience, I don’t want it to end,” she added. “I really don’t. I’m ready to come out here with my winter coat.”

Some vendors at the market are using the space as a platform to not only sell products, but also to connect with others. Niya Janell Gregory, a single mother from South Philly, is selling T-shirts and her self-published book, “Conversations with GOD.”

Honey Accessories at the African American Market. (Julia Binswanger/Billy Penn)

“My connection to the African American market is to share my story of healing,” Gregory said. “Because in the Black community, we suffer in silence. We are not vulnerable. We are taught to be strong and just let go of whatever feelings you may be holding onto and figure it out. So I am sharing my story of healing, my story of survival, so the next person knows that they are not alone.”

For Harris, seeing a market focused on African American businesses come together at FDR Park is long overdue and hard earned. 

“I’ve been fighting for this for four years,” she said. “And with the help of the [Friends of FDR Park] group, we finally got it started.”

Harris’s colleague, who goes by Honey, was grateful to see the hard work paying off. Honey not only helped coordinate the market, but also runs Honey Accessories, a local jewelry pop-up.

“Every Saturday it gets bigger and bigger,” she said. “And I’ve been here from the beginning. It took us a while, but we’re here and we’re still growing.”

Harris echoed this sentiment. Although she is technically retired, she says that the work at the market is just getting started. 

“I have a love for the people, and I’m always for the community,” Harris said. “If you ask anybody in South Philly, they know who I am. I’m always out doing something, you know? As my son always says, ‘Mom, slow down. Slow down.’ But it’s no reason to slow down. I keep going and it keeps me young.”The African American Market at FDR Park runs every Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Oct. 25. New vendors are welcome to apply. Check out a list of some current vendors below: 

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