Melanin Market Omaha Celebrates Diversity, Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship
The Melanin Market Omaha concluded Saturday with resounding success, marking another milestone in the promotion of BIPOC entrepreneurship and cultural enrichment in the Omaha community. The one-day event attracted a large and diverse crowd, reinforcing its role as a vital hub for minority-owned businesses.
Founded in 2021 by Ty and Dell Nared Jr., Melanin Market Omaha was created to address the lack of diversity among market vendors. Over the years, it has grown into a significant platform for BIPOC entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, products, and services.
This year’s event was no exception, featuring an array of unique, handcrafted items, cultural artifacts, jewelry, beauty products, and a variety of culinary delights. The market provided a vibrant space for community engagement, cultural exchange, and economic empowerment. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a rich variety of products and enjoy diverse food offerings, reflecting the broad cultural tapestry of the Omaha community.
Ty Nared, co-founder of Melanin Market Omaha, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s turnout and impact. "It’s not just a place to shop,” she said. “It’s a place where people can connect, learn, and celebrate the diverse cultures within our city.”
This market is more than a place to shop; it's a community celebration. It’s where people come to connect, learn, and appreciate the diverse cultures within our city," she said. Her words capture the essence of the market’s mission to foster community cohesion and cultural appreciation.
For many local Black-owned businesses, the market was a valuable opportunity to gain visibility and connect with new customers, Nared explained. Vendors reported robust sales and increased interest in their products, highlighting the market's role in supporting economic growth within the community.
Building on the success of this year’s event, Melanin Market Omaha aims to expand its reach and impact in the future. Plans are already underway for next year’s market, with organizers seeking to provide even more opportunities for minority-owned businesses to thrive.
The Melanin Market Omaha continues to stand as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering economic and cultural growth. As the event concluded, attendees and vendors alike celebrated a day of unity, learning, and celebration of Omaha’s vibrant diversity.
For those who attended, the Melanin Market Omaha was not just an event but an experience—one that will be remembered and anticipated for years to come.
Valeria Guiterrez Soto, 17, is interning for the Latino Center of the Midlands Siembra Nebraska program which places teens in career fields they are most interested in. This summer Guiterrez Soto is working as a social media content curator for Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations.