Clarington celebrates talent, culture and unity at second annual Black Vendor Village

Clarington, Ontario – On Saturday, February 8, over 700 residents came together to experience Clarington’s second annual Black Vendor Village in celebration of Black History Month. The event was held at Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex in Bowmanville, in partnership with the Region of Durham and Clarington Library, Museums and Archives (CLMA). Families and businesses embraced the opportunity to connect and immerse in the lively atmosphere – celebrating and supporting the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Black-owned businesses.

More than just a marketplace, Black Vendor Village is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, dancing, art and more, while shopping, eating, and connecting with 50 vendors and services. The community can continue to shop from participating vendors at www.clarington.net/BHM and support these businesses all year long.

A beautiful community quilt was also unveiled in honour of The International Decade for People of African Descent. This creative expression reflects what diversity and belonging means to Clarington residents, a project dreamed up in collaboration between the Municipality of Clarington, CLMA, and Jamaican-Canadian poet, author, and arts educator Nadine Williams.

Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, and Hawa Mire of Clarington’s Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee gave welcoming remarks, joining poet Tracy J who hosted the event. Together they highlighted the strength of diversity and expressed pride in what the Black Vendor Village brings to our community. Notably, Hamlin Grange of Courtice, Ontario, was presented with the high honour of the Clarington Mayor’s Challenge Coin by Mayor Foster and Councillor Anderson. Grange was recognized for his dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with his efforts having a lasting positive effect on the community.

“This weekend, we came together in an impactful way to honour the incredible cultural contributions and legacy of the Black community here in Clarington. The Black Vendor Village is about more than just shopping; it’s a celebration of our diversity and the values that make Clarington an inclusive community for everyone,” said Mayor Adrian Foster.

Events like this play an important role in highlighting the impact of underrepresented groups while addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

In preparation for next year's Black Vendor Village, Clarington would love to hear feedback from the community on the event. Visit www.clarington.net/BVVSurvey to share your thoughts.

Celebrating the arts with Ngoma Dance and Drum Ensemble.

Nadine Williams holds community-led quilting project with Donnalee Smith of the Clarington Library, Museums and Archives, alongside Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

From left: Councillor Sami Elhajjeh, Regional Councillor Granville Anderson, Mayor’s Challenge Coin recipient Hamlin Grange, Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster, and Councillor Corinna Traill.

Hosted by the talented poet Tracy J.  

The Municipality of Clarington would like to acknowledge and thank Ontario Power Generation for its financial support through the Ontario Power Generation Power for Change Project, which supports grassroots initiatives in the communities where OPG operates.

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Sarah Raso, Communications Officer
905-260-3495 | sraso@clarington.net

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