BAOBOB Holiday Express Pop Up Market in Oakland

by Dr. Tiffany Caesar

“Come support someone who might be your neighbor, support local businesses,” Yavette Holts, founder of BAOBOB,  Bay Area Organization of Black Owned Businesses, shared on Instagram. On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, BAOBOB hosted their annual Holiday Express Pop Up Market at Oakstop. The organization provides local businesses with support and opportunities so they can thrive like the Baobob tree. The owner Yavette is committed “ to pushing the boundaries of intentional commerce.” 

BAOBOB’s website provides you with a wonderfully curated business directory and a resource library that includes grant opportunities and business incubators. They also recently launched Barter 2 the People (B2P), a barter-based silent auction that challenges our status quo habits of valuation and rate of exchange.

The event was described as a nice place to attend for “last minute gifts.” There were also a few non-profits and hybrid organizations sharing their resources to the community like PIIKUP, “socially responsible delivery hub supporting food and retail businesses in the East Bay and S.F. Areas.” The founder, April, greeted me with a smile as she shared her unique organization – “We are the Black version of group-on” – while also providing resources to the community. On their website, you can find bundle packages for romance to the entire family! Healthy Black Families Inc. provided information on ways to create equitable communities surrounding housing, health and finance.

There were a variety of Black businesses sharing their products in joy and community. Many of the vendors displayed African centered products for customers who appreciate the Black cultural expression. The owner of Toss & Throws, Cheryl Wilson, displayed her beautiful mud cloth from different vendors in Africa like one from Mali. Concerning some of her sets, she proudly asserted, “I try to have a few pieces that match for those who want it.”

Lola’s African Apparel also displayed beautiful patterned dresses from Nigeria, the owner shared, “You can order the items online.” Former San Francisco State University student, Lola mentioned that her products uplift the community and are hand-picked with consideration. Cardum, owner of DA-AF, Diaspora Atelier + Afro Future, shared, “I was a CEO in mental health before transitioning into African high fashion.” She allowed customers to try on her versatile pieces. There with her son, the booth was superb, and she gave each customer one on one attention as she encouraged guests to try on pieces from her Goddess collection.

Customers could buy incense from 3^rd I Boutique, copper jewelry from On the Square Gem, and handmade candles that serve as body oil from Bismillah Boutique. If you were hungry, there were local food and drink vendors present like ISSA Blend Smoothies.

Djbreesh provided the environment with wonderful tunes, allowing shoppers to groove as they purchased or looked through an assortment of gift possibilities. There were even children’s books and images on sale by local illustrator Nancy Cato of Cato Creations. Also Cocoa & Onyx sold luxury dog bags that also served as trendy purses.  With Kwanzaa coming up, I thought about Ujima, collective work and responsibility, as everyone gathered.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and purchased a few items including some earrings from Lola’s African Apparel. I highly recommend you check out BAOBOB website for more information about resources for Black-owned businesses in the Bay, and a directory for those who want to support them. Also, follow them on Instagram; you don’t want to miss their next events!

Dr. Tiffany Caesar is an Oakland-based writer, scholar, artist and activist. Her work emphasizes cultural heritage and art institutions, Africana women, pan-African political movements, reparations and self-care. She is currently an assistant professor of Africana Studies at San Francisco State University, where she teaches African American History and Black Lives Matter: Race and Social Justice Movements. She can be reached at [email protected]. 

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Source: https://sfbayview.com/2025/01/baobob-holiday-express-pop-up-market-in-oakland/