Philadelphia Vegan Power of Color Market to Highlight Minority Business Owners

philly power of color market

Philly Vegan Pop-Up Flea, a plant-based marketplace that is held at various locations throughout the city, will host a special event created to uplift minority-owned businesses. Called “The Power of Color Market,” the pop-up will celebrate inclusion in diversity in vegan living by inviting guests to sample food and browse cruelty-free products made by businesses owned by people of color.

Co-founder of Philly Vegan Pop-Up Flea Carmella Lanni-Giardina told LIVEKINDLY “Being vegan is more than just eating some plants. It’s really about social justice for all beings, regardless of species.”

The event is hosted by local vegan convenience store V Marks the Shop. While some businesses are vegetarian, all products available will be vegan.

The event will feature local fare such as raw vegan treats by 7 Fruits Raw Treats, vegan Caribbean and soul food from plant-based meal delivery service Nourishing Our Mind, herbal blends from Roots of Life, and many more. Cruelty-free and vegan lifestyle products such as Earth Kandy nail polish, Butterfly Kisses soaps, hemp-based athleisure apparel from Redefine Your Mind, Afrocentric crystal jewelry, and more.

Plant Powered Sistas, a local organization that provides support to vegan and vegetarian women of color, will also be present.

philly vegan pop up flea power of color

According to Lanni-Giardina, this is not the first time that the Philly Vegan Pop-Up Flea Market has concentrated its efforts on uplifting marginalized communities: “Back in March, we did a Womxn-Made market with the Philly Vegan Lady Gang. Next month, we’re doing the Queerly Vegan Market to celebrate LGBTQ+ I feel events like these are important.”

The first Philly Vegan Pop-Up Flea Market took place on a hot day in June 2016. The Carmella, along with co-founder and husband Carlo Giardina, had no expectations for turnout and were pleasantly surprised that, despite the high temperatures, the market was a huge success.

Each market is designed to be an inclusive space for people from all walks of life to support small vegan and veg-friendly businesses as well as the local community and economy. Philly Vegan Pop-Up Flea Market also regularly invites local vegan non-profit organizations so that visitors can learn about their work. Family-friendly activities are also planned for those who want to bring children.

The Power of Color Market will take place on Saturday, July 28 at the Philadelphia Friends Center. Admission is free and organizers have ensured that the event is wheelchair accessible.