DEARBORN, Mich. – More than 25 Black-owned businesses turned the hallways of The Henry Ford Museum into a vibrant marketplace during its second annual Black Business Saturday -- celebrating Black History Month with a wide array of products.
The event, which began last year on Juneteenth, has become a vital platform connecting local entrepreneurs with new customers in the metro Detroit area.
“We have a lot of diverse range of products, and the people who are here put their heart and soul into it,” said Sage Sampson, manager of African American history at the Henry Ford Museum.
Among the vendors was Monique Whitley, owner of Raggedy Bag, whose journey to entrepreneurship began after suffering a brain aneurysm a decade ago.
What started as therapy making purses has evolved into a thriving business.
“I live for these events because I don’t get out a lot, but when I can show my stuff and people love it, it’s an art for me,” Whitley said.
The event drew shoppers from across the region, including Tonda Shimbo, who traveled from Plymouth searching for unique items.
“What a great opportunity for us to learn more and buy products that we wouldn’t otherwise find,” Simbo said.
Sampson hopes the event will inspire others to transform their hobbies into businesses.
“I hope other Black businesses reach out or someone watching takes their hobby and shares it with the world,” she said.
For businesses interested in participating in next year’s event, contact Sage Sampson at sages@thehenryford.org.