Local Vendors on the Akoma Market Experience

by JR Valrey, The People’s Minister of Information

“The AKOMA Market was born in September 2020, emerging from the crucible of the COVID-19 pandemic as a beacon of hope. Its original purpose was deeply rooted in necessity and community empowerment: to provide a vital, safe, and open space for Black-owned businesses to thrive without the crushing burden of overhead fees, especially when many were struggling to survive,” explained Ari Curry, the Deputy Director of Media and Communications for the Black Cultural Zone.

“It was envisioned as a lifeline, a ‘utility for East Oakland’ designed to sustain local businesses, cultivate a profound sense of togetherness, and empower a community that had long been overlooked. It was, and remains, a testament to resilience, forged in the very heart of the community it serves.”

In 2018, couple Reggie and Nicole Borders founded Pound Bizness, a company selling pound cakes, after a debilitating illness kept Nicole on bed rest, and out of work for a long period of time.

“Pound Bizness began working with the Akoma Market in 2020, shortly after its launch. We were drawn to its mission of creating a safe and vibrant space for Black-owned businesses to thrive in East Oakland. From our very first event, it was clear this wasn’t just a marketplace—it was a movement,” described Nicole Borders.

“Since then, the exposure has been phenomenal. It’s helped us connect with new customers, strengthen our community presence, and access unique opportunities. Through our relationship with Black Cultural Zone, we were introduced to Visit Oakland, which led to our cakes being featured at the Oakland Marriott—an incredible platform for our brand.”  

“Beyond the market, we were granted the opportunity to operate in a brick-and-mortar space through the 1955 Broadway Hub in partnership with Block Corporation,” reported entrepreneur Nicole Borders of Pound Bizness. 

“That experience was transformative—it gave us real-world experience managing a storefront and access to business education, including how to effectively use Square POS systems to streamline operations and improve our customer experience.”

Carla Lovett, owner of Lovett Popcorn, is also a part of the sprawling community of entrepreneurs in East Oakland who benefited greatly from the Akoma Market, over the years. 

“I have learned so many things for my business working with the Akoma Market, let me go through a few of them. I have learned to make sure that I have my elevator pitch that is like second nature, because you absolutely will be tested almost every time you vend or show up at any Akoma Market event,” explained entrepreneur Carla Lovett. 

“I have also learned that product presentation is important. I was able to look at other Akoma market vendors to ask questions of where they purchased packaging, how they decided to design their vendor booths and how they were able to keep prices low. This helped me tremendously and also helped me create a “vendor family” that is invaluable to me and Lovett Popcorn.”

Lovett  declared, “Finally, Akoma Market vendors have helped me to learn discernment with choosing who and where to do business with. Not all opportunities are for the best interest of my business. I have learned that, and because of experiences that were not great, I now know what questions to ask and what to look for when doing business even outside of the Akoma Market. This has helped my business significantly, financially and also allowed me to be more serious about business decisions I have and will make for Lovett Popcorn.”

The city of Oakland was once known as a “chocolate city”, with the Black population being over 40% of the residents. Today, that number has slipped to close to 20%, with gentrification closing in daily, especially after Silicon Valley’s tech boom. How does that affect Black local businesses? 

“From an administrative standpoint, AKOMA Market is a cornerstone of the Black Cultural Zone’s audacious mission to centralize Black arts, culture, and economics unapologetically. It’s a strategic “Resource Hub for Community Rapid Response,” capable of swiftly organizing and hosting vital community events and pop-ups, described Ari Curry, Deputy Director of Media and Communications for the Black Cultural Zone.

“More critically, it acts as a dynamic incubator, providing a crucial pipeline for emerging entrepreneurs to hone their skills, gain invaluable experience, and ultimately transition into more permanent brick-and-mortar presences. The BCZ’s long-term vision includes establishing permanent commercial spaces for these vendors within Liberation Park, solidifying the market’s role as an enduring economic anchor.

Ari Curry continued, “Retail-wise, AKOMA Market is undeniably a resounding success within the general community. Vendors express profound gratitude for a haven where competition gives way to collaboration and a regular rhythm translates into loyal customers. Customers are consistently “amazed” by the market’s “beautiful, colorful, and lively” atmosphere, drawn in by the vibrant mix of retail and food. This direct support translates into tangible economic growth, with BCZ’s efforts at the market supporting  nearly 200 local businesses annually, a powerful testament to its thriving retail success and ability to foster a unique, immersive “experience” that keeps people coming back.”

Aspiring vendors eager to join this thriving community can fill out an interest form at https://tinyurl.com/akomamarket-2025. The primary requirements to operate in the market include securing liability insurance and a seller’s permit (which is highly suggested but not strictly required).

Experience the joy, culture, and economic vitality firsthand! The following scheduled AKOMA Market date is August 2nd.

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Source: https://sfbayview.com/2025/07/local-vendors-on-the-akoma-market-experience/