MEDIA RELEASE – Toronto, Ontario – June 19, 2025 – Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is proud to present Melanin Market, an exciting five-market showcase of the incredible talent of local Black artisans and creators throughout the summer. The series kicks off on Wednesday, June 25, with a Bold, Beautiful & Women-Owned-themed market in collaboration with Hey Black Girl! and The Villij. This inaugural event features a free sunset yoga class, exciting vendors, delicious food and drinks, DJs, and more. Additional themed Melanin Market dates will continue throughout the summer, promising a diverse celebration of Black culture and entrepreneurship.

DISCOVER UNIQUE FINDS, SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES, AND CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY

Melanin Market invites visitors to explore a curated selection of distinctive handcrafted goods, original art, fashion, beauty products, and tasty treats from a diverse array of local Black entrepreneurs. The market is a celebration of Black creativity, innovation, and community, fostering connections and promoting economic empowerment within a vibrant cultural space. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere and opportunities to connect directly with passionate creators.

“Melanin Market is more than just a marketplace; it’s a vital platform for Black and People of Colour entrepreneurs to thrive, share their gifts, and build community,” says Khadija Hamidu, founder and CEO of Melanin Market. “We are creating a space where culture is celebrated, and every purchase directly supports the incredible talent within our community. We invite everyone to experience the richness and diversity that Black businesses bring to Toronto.”

“Sankofa Square is committed to being a welcoming and dynamic hub for all Torontonians, and hosting Melanin Market perfectly aligns with our vision for an inclusive and vibrant public space,” says Julian Sleath, Sankofa Square’s General Manager. “We are thrilled to partner with Melanin Market to amplify Black voices, celebrate Black excellence, and offer our visitors an authentic, enriching experience that highlights the transformative power of art, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.”

THEMED MARKETS HIGHLIGHT DIVERSE ASPECTS OF BLACK CULTURE AND WELL-BEING

Each date of Melanin Market will feature a unique theme, celebrating different facets of Black culture and entrepreneurship. The inaugural market, Bold, Beautiful & Women-Owned, focuses on the power and hustle of women-owned businesses from across the Greater Toronto Area. This theme underscores a commitment to accessible wellness resources and culturally relevant practices, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health.

MELANIN MARKET: BOLD, BEAUTIFUL & WOMEN-OWNED
In collaboration with Hey Black Girl! and The Villij

When: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Times: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas Street East
Cost: Admission is Free

Featuring:

Artisan Market: Explore a diverse range of Black women-owned vendors specializing in health, wellness and style.
Music Vibes: Groove to the sounds of DJ CookieDoh (@iamcookiedoh) and DJ INTROSPKT (@introspkt), TASH (@tashtoonuff), Sewa (@askaboutsewa), and more!
7:00 PM: Sunset TrapSoul Yoga class presented by The Villij
Free and open to everyone. TrapSoul Yoga is a soulful Hatha practice designed to help you tune into your body, quiet your mind, and reconnect — all while vibing to smooth, soulful beats. Good for all levels, especially those new to yoga. Bring your own mat. Arrive by 6:30 PM to claim your spot, class starts at 7:00 PM sharp. Register in advance or show up on the day.

MELANIN MARKET SCHEDULE

Following the inaugural Bold, Beautiful & Women-Owned market, Melanin Market will continue to showcase the incredible talent of local Black artisans and creators with upcoming themed events:

MELANIN MARKET: BOLD, BEAUTIFUL & WOMEN-OWNED
Wednesday, June 25 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Featuring: Artisan vendors, delicious food and drink, a free sunset yoga class by The Villij, music vibes by DJ CookieDoh, DJ INTROSPKT, TASH, Sewa, and more!

MELANIN MARKET: R&B, HIP-HOP AND SOUL EXPERIENCE WITH FRESH UP
Friday, July 18 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Featuring: Live performances from your favourite Toronto artist presented by Sonyc Unyon Records, artisan vendors, plus delicious food and drink.

MELANIN MARKET: PLAY IT LOUD SCREENING AND ARTIST TALK FEATURING JAY DOUGLAS
Wednesday, July 30 | 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Featuring: Live screening of Play It Out Loud: How Toronto Got Soul Documentary, Artist talk with Jay Douglas and Director Graeme Mathieson with artisan vendors, delicious food and drink, and live music performances!

MELANIN MARKET: BLACK-OWNED MARKET
Friday, August 15 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Featuring: Artisan vendors plus delicious food and drink, with more exciting details and community highlights to be announced closer to the date.

MELANIN MARKET: BLACK-OWNED MARKET
Friday, August 29 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Featuring: Artisan vendors plus delicious food and drink, with more exciting details and community highlights to be announced closer to the date.

VENDORS STILL WELCOME

We’re still welcoming vendors for this season! If you’re a Black or POC-owned business looking to connect with new audiences, showcase your work, and be part of something meaningful, this is your moment. Apply now: melaninmarket.ca/events/melanin-market-at-sankofa-square

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Websites: melaninmarket.ca | heyblackgirl.ca | thevillij.com | sankofasquare.ca

Social:
Melanin Market: Instagram @melaninxmarket
Hey Black Girl!: Instagram @heyblackgirlca
The Villij: Instagram @thevillij
Sankofa Square: Instagram & TikTok @sankofasquare | Facebook @SankofaSquareOfficial

Hashtags: #MelaninMarketTO #SankofaSquare #BlackOwnedToronto

Media Kit: sankofasquare.ca/media-centre

Media are encouraged to attend and capture the vibrant atmosphere of Melanin Market's inaugural event. Interview opportunities with organizers and vendors are available upon request.

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ABOUT MELANIN MARKET

Melanin Market is dedicated to empowering Black and People of Colour (POC) communities across Canada. Since its founding in Hamilton, Ontario, in January 2021, it’s founderand CEO Khadija Hamidu, has grown it into a vital platform that champions Black and POC small businesses, artists, and cultural expression. By providing dedicated opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, Melanin Market actively supports local economic development and fosters sustainable growth. Its events serve as vibrant gathering spaces that cultivate deep community connections, encouraging networking, collaboration, and solidarity among diverse communities, while also proudly celebrating the richness and vibrancy of Black and POC cultures through dynamic cultural celebrations and performances, fostering pride and cultural awareness. melaninmarket.ca

ABOUT SANKOFA SQUARE

Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) is a bustling gathering place for millions of visitors each year. Established in 2004, the Square hosts hundreds of diverse events including community-based festivals, concerts, public art, and commercial experiences. The Square is an open space that welcomes everyone. It is managed by the Sankofa Board of Management, a City of Toronto agency. sankofasquare.ca