MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – The first Melanin Indoor Market was held at Union Hall in Downtown Manhattan on Saturday. The event featured and celebrated black-owned businesses in Northeast Kansas.

Over 20 businesses were featured, showing off their services, which included health, wellness, beauty, food, beverage, and other professional services.

While Manhattan Mayor Susan Adamchak could not attend, Manhattan City Commissioner Peter Oppelt read a city proclamation, naming August Black-Owned Business Month in Manhattan.

Oppelt said in part the city hopes Saturday was the first of “many Melanin indoor Markets to come.”

The event was hosted by the organization Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills. Executive Director Shelia Ellis-Glasper says events like these are important for visibility.

“Our mission is to engage, empower, and equip black-owned and social and economically disadvantaged businesses,” Ellis-Glasper said. “Essentially our goal is to narrow the racial wealth gap by bringing culturally competent and responsible business resources, access to capital, and bringing in community in a safe space for their businesses to grow and thrive.”

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