'We need to amplify them:' HYFIN hosts second annual 'Blackity Black Holiday Market' with 50+ Milwaukee vendors

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's the season of giving, and what better way than to start right here in the city?

More than 50 vendors of Black-owned businesses in Milwaukee packed inside of the Turner Hall Ballroom on Nov. 25 for Small Business Saturday.

It marked the 2nd annual "Blackity Black Holiday Market" hosted by Milwaukee radio station HYFIN -- the city's Black-led digital music and media movement.

"Black-owned businesses have a harder time to get capital and investment and support than other types of businesses, so we want to use our platform, HYFIN's platforms, to amplify those businesses and that's why we created this market," said Tarik Moody, HYFIN's program director. 

Vendors included anywhere from jewelry to art to fashion, with a food court, performances throughout the day, and a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

Last year, around 1,000 people showed up to support. This year? They hope to double that number.

“We have a lot of Black-owned businesses, Black food trucks in this city but a lot of people outside of the neighborhoods don’t really know about these businesses," Moody told CBS 58. “It’s been growing a lot, there’s a lot more entrepreneurs especially throughout the pandemic a lot of people decided to start their own businesses.”

A new addition to this year's market included a resource fair featuring local nonprofits, mental health organizations, and financial institutions. 

“Whether it’s the creatives or businesses, we do a great job supporting local here, and especially Black-owned businesses," Moody said. 'It makes me proud of the city.”

Contributions also made by: CBS 58 Newsroom