An annual celebration of black excellence, the 2017 Broccoli City Festival took over Washington D.C. this weekend for its fifth anniversary. Despite rain and sinking mud, tens of thousands of festival goers found their best and brightest ponchos and filed into the venue to enjoy a day of live music, culture and some of DCs greatest food trucks. More than just music, however, Broccoli City has a commitment to entrepreneurship, opening up “Market Village” a vending space for black entrepreneurs to shine and sell their products as Solange crooned in the background.
While there were tons of amazing vendors, from t-shirt lines to candle makers- here are seven black-owned businesses that deserve your attention and your coin.
1. Asli Pure Natural Body Care
Putting the Shea in Shea Butter Twitter is Asli Pure Natural Body Care. Founded by Thea Browne-Dennis, the brand's table was covered in natural soaps, body nectars, oils, scrubs all wrapped in entrancing scents. All products are free of artificial colors, using only plant based ingredients to get and your melanin glowing. My personal favorite is the Oshun Body Nectar.
Support at: http://www.aslipure.com/
2. The O Factory
Photo: The O Factory
Get your mind out of the gutter, this isn't what you think. The O Factory creator Oni Jordan uses pop culture and controversial topics as the muse to her handcrafted accessory line. From bold Nefertiti necklaces to "p****y grabs back" dad hats, she's shaking up the norms in the jewelry space and making a statement that lasts.
Support at: https://www.theofactory.com/
3. The Black Genius Art Show
The brainchild of mixed media artist, Bryan Robinson is The Black Genius Art Show. Dubbed an "artoonist", Robinson's signature illustrations take a cartooned approach to describing life's most mundane (and sometimes controversial) circumstances. Most notable at Broccoli City Festival was what onlookers dubbed as his Jesus piece (pictured above).
Support at: www.theblackgeniusartshow.com
4. The Dreams of Scottie Benjamin
Did you know that only 22% of children's books for children of color were written by black authors last year? Writers Matthew Talley and Darien Harris did, so they've committed to taking back our narrative with their first children's book The Dreams of Scottie Benjamin. Targeting boys ages 5-10, the book takes us through the life of Scottie, who is learning to overcome his fears using the power of his imagination. A great read, the storyline coupled with captivating images by illustrator Malcolm Bailey, are sure to have the young man in your life hooked.
Support at: https://www.scottiebenjamin.com/
5. The Paradyce Shop
Photo: Instagram (@theparadyceshop)
Peace reigns supreme at The Paradyce Shop. Designer Pierre Batchler uses a colorful globe logo to push the brand's belief in human connection—despite color. Featuring quality handsewn clothing Paradyce is a beautiful celebration of flyness for all people.
Support at: https://www.paradyceshop.com/
6. No Chaser Beard Oil
Photo: No Chaser Naturals
To my bearded brothas, I love you. And so does Lanise Harris. So much so, that she created No Chaser Beard Oil, an elixir to keep your beard luscious and keep us dropping heart eyed emojis in your DMs. Using fragrant oils and upcycled personal liquor bottles to house the product, Harris opts for a brand that is both environmentally responsible and overall amazing.
Support at: https://www.nochasernaturals.com/
7. Yesterday Nite
Photo: Instagram (@yesterdaynite)
Artist Alim Smith's art went viral when he turned our favorite memes into odd-figured illustrations. So it was great to see him at Broccoli City Festival selling the prints of the illustrations that recently took over our Instagram feed. Proving that the hustle is in fact sold separately, Alim didn't have his own spot in Market Village, but sold prints out of a backpack. Talk about a dollar and a dream.
Support at: http://www.ydnite.com/
