BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Many businesses are continuing to find ways to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NACCP's Sistahs United committee, on Saturday, hosted an event to give black small businesses a chance to get back out safely in the community. The event was titled Black Wall Street Reloaded.
Organizers say nearly 500 people flowed through the first-ever event.
"It really inspired me to bring my own business out because you know not a lot of people support black businesses as they should," said Jonique Whaley, an attendee.
These were the sentiments that were heard at the Black Wall Street Reloaded event, held from 12 pm-4 pm on Saturday.
The group says this opportunity was needed more than ever during the pandemic.
"It's a time of uncertainty for a lot of people and many people lost their jobs," said Bianca Haynes, an organizer for the event. "So we are trying to revitalize the concept that black people can have wealth, generate money for our community."
The event took place off of Wible Rd. in the parking lot of Arredondo Ventures, who donated the space to the group.
Over 30 shops were represented, including food, jewelry, community groups, clothes, and more.
"We want to highlight that there are many entrepreneurs that are offering products and services," said Danielle Simmons, an organizer for the event.
"So why not have a one-stop shop to see that we do have a magnitude in our community."
The vendors consisted of all African American female business owners.
According to organizers, they all reached their financial and product goals at the event.
"I have been a vendor for over 20 years and I have never seen so many black beautiful people in one place, on one accord with the same agenda and I am just in awe," said Charlie Watkins, a vendor.
Organizers share that this is just the beginning of similar events in the future.
