More than 600 people were at the Rochdale Village Community Center last Saturday.The co-op held an Our Village Kwanzaa and Christmas Market at its grand ballroom, located at 169-65 137 Ave.The market featured more than 50 Black-owned businesses, said Julia Shaw, director of the community center, via email.
“It was an excellent celebration of culture and commerce,” Shaw told the Chronicle, about the event. “We had several sponsors who helped make the event happen.”Sponsors of the event included World Event Insurance; Flushing Town Hall; Care Access, a health organization; 100 Suits, an organization that provides suits to people in underserved communities; IRock Charities; Raising Cane’s; the Queens Chamber of Commerce; and BlaQue Resource Network, a directory of Black entrepreneurs from Queens.“We had a marketing partnership with BlaQue Resource Network that brought people to Rochdale and people really came out and shopped,” said Shaw.
During the event, Elite Marching Band and Destined2Dance, above, provided stellar performances, said Shaw. Asoso International Ensemble, top center, an art and entertainment group, educated people about Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Kwanzaa was established in 1966.“We had a food pantry and an arts and craft activity corner for young people,” said Shaw.Marc Taylor, center, the owner of Onyx, held a sock drive, in which 950 pairs were collected at the event, she said. And Kay L’Amour, far left, sang “It’s the Mistletoe for Me.”“Rochdale Village’s pre-Kwanzaa and Christmas celebration was a festive and enjoyable event that showcased local talent, as well as local Black-owned businesses,” said Shaw.— Naeisha Rose

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