Entrepreneur launches black farmers market in heart of Brixton
A Lambeth woman has taken matters into her own hands to increase exposure for black food growers and makers with an entrepreneurial flair in Brixton during Black History Month.
Entrepreneur Natasha Pencil, founder of Taino, has been selling her own Caribbean-inspired small batch condiments since 2018.
Often popping up in Brixton market she found herself speaking with other entrepreneurs, usually women and people of colour, with the same complaints about a lack of investment, resources and publicity for their businesses.
She is organising an event that showcases talented food growers from the Black community.
Natasha said: “This event provides a springboard for a wider dialogue on food justice and racial equity. We are at the nexus of the climate crisis and cost of living crisis and this event aims to give voice to those who will be disproportionately affected by both.”
The market, taking place in Brixton Station Road and at Pop Brixton, aims to reinvigorate a part of Brixton that the organisers feel often gets overlooked for flashier market destinations, while bringing together a wealth of local talent.
On the day there will be the opportunity to buy fresh pesticide-free produce from the Coco Collective, Black Rootz and Go Grow With Love.
Valcie McIntosh, from Papas Cafe in Brixton and chair of Athltra Gardens & Allotments, said: “This event is timely because of austerity and the way that we are living at the moment, shop shelves are empty and food is expensive.
“It’s a good time to encourage Black people to grow their own food and what is leftover can be shared with the community.”
Street food will be available from Green Elephant Cafe and non-alcoholic drinks from Carisips after a family fun day with Kurt Oluwatobi’s Street Zumba and Keke’s face painting.
The project has gained support from Lambeth councillor Dr Jacqueline Dyer MBE, who said: “I welcome the opportunity to showcase Black-led business/entrepreneurs in Lambeth”.
The first market will open this Sunday from 9am – 4pm.
Pictured top: Natasha Pencil (Picture: Taino)
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Is this healthy to promote ethnicity based businesses? Surely better to not make an issue out of this or do we get Asian and Polish only markets also?