Join Us at the Mary Baldwin University BSA Black Business Fair: Explore Local Vendors and Celebrate Community Entrepreneurship!

Mary Baldwin University is gearing up for its second annual Black Business Fair. This event is a fantastic opportunity for Black-owned businesses to showcase what they offer.

Scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at the Student Activity Center, the fair welcomes students and the local community. It’s organized by the university’s Black Student Alliance and aims to celebrate Black entrepreneurs. Jonathan Delgado, the president of the alliance, shared that the fair is more than just a shopping experience.

Delgado said, “I’ve seen some of these businesses get built from the ground up. To see where they are now, it’s inspirational.” The fair will host various vendors, including those from Staunton and Richmond, creating a vibrant marketplace.

One featured vendor is the Treehouse Juice Bar, a new local business that opened in June. Co-owner Sunqeet Pepper sees the fair as a way to connect with students and community members who may not know about their offerings. “Anything that has to do with the community of Staunton—we support small business, Black business,” Pepper said.

Co-owner Kyle Alston added that the event strengthens the bonds within the Black business community. “Being a part of the Black [Business] collective, we can help each other out,” he noted. “We can support one another and make it more of a family affair.”

Delgado mentioned that the fair contributes to Black History Month events at Mary Baldwin, aiming to introduce students to local businesses. “Some students don’t know these businesses are right down the street,” he explained. “It’s a great way for students to network and for business owners to gain new customers.”

The fair will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and it’s free to attend. Come out and support local Black entrepreneurs while discovering what they have to offer!