In honor of Juneteenth — a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America — the North Carolina FC and NC Courage are teaming up with The Black Dollar Corp., Black Friday Market, Our Stop Shop, and the Black Women’s Player Collective, for a weekend of events happening Sat., June 18 + Sun., June 19.
Before each soccer match, fans are encouraged to explore local vendors, artists, and Black-owned businesses that will be set up outside of the stadium.
What to expect:
- 15+ local vendors
- Live entertainment (ft. a DJ and African dancers throughout the weekend and the Crucial Fiya Reggae band on Saturday)
- Bites from food trucks, ft. African food, lemonade + more
- Plenty of soccer: North Carolina FC plays Charlotte Independence on Saturday at 7 p.m. + the NC Courage takes on the Houston Dash on Sunday at 5 p.m.
Cost:
- The festival is free and open to the public.
- Parking is $10 with a portion of proceeds going to community partners (cash only at the gate; digital passes available to buy online ahead of time).
Get to know a few of the Triangle’s Black-owned businesses that Raleighites can support during Juneteenth and beyond, and share your favorites with us below.
Holt Brothers Inc.
The brothers are busy with three companies to run. | Photo provided by @holtbrothersinc
Since retiring from the NFL and moving back to Raleigh, Terrence and Torry Holt have been busy. In 2007, the real-life brothers created Holt Brothers, which consists of Holt Brothers Construction, Holt Brothers Development, Holt Brothers Football, and the Holt Brothers Foundation. Their construction company has been involved with exciting projects around the Triangle like the new Student Center at North Carolina Central University and the renovations of the Durham County Library’s Main Branch in downtown Durham.
Black Farmers’ Market
The Black Farmers’ Market is an inclusive, fun, and community-centered marketplace. | Photo by @theshootingbeauty
Since starting in 2015, the Black Farmers’ Market has transformed from an annual event into a twice monthly event rotating between Durham and Raleigh. It supports 30+ Black farmers and entrepreneurs with ambitious goals to continue to expand.
Nail Yeah!
Nails transform into a work of art once they leave Nail Yeah! | Photo by @nailyeah
Since 2013, this nail salon has specialized in natural + gel nail care and manicures committing to using non-toxic and natural products when possible to craft their unique nail designs.
TG Floristry
TG Floristry’s owner Tiera George making a flower delivery. | Photo provided by Tiera George + @tg_floral
TG Floristry is a Raleigh-based floral design studio, owned and operated by Tiera George, whose whimsical designs can be seen at weddings and events throughout the Triangle. If you’re looking for a way to get a group of gals together, Tiera also offers workshops to help share her 10+ years of design experience.
Wonderpuff
We can’t think of a sweeter treat than gourmet cotton candy. | Photo by @herhues_
Owner Jackie Morin’s locally-made cotton candy is 100% vegan and made with organic sugar, with flavors like raspberry mojito, honey roasted pear, rose lemonade, salted caramel + more. Wonderpuff opened its first brick and mortar store at Boxyard RTP in 2021.
The Zen Succulent
Find plants of all types at The Zen Succulent store in Durham. | Photo provided by @thezensucculent
After several years of working with urban gardening and succulent propagation, mother and daughter duo Margaret and Megan George founded The ZEN Succulent in 2012. They opened their first brick-and-mortar store in 2016, where shoppers can find plants, succulents, and supplies for plant care + creating modern terrariums.
Check out 25+ more of Raleigh’s local Black-owned businesses and how you can support them. Want to shout out your favorite Black-owned business in the Triangle? Show them some love here, and we’ll add them to our list.*
