African Marketplace survives snow delay

By Sean Barron

The event also had many books on famous black entertainers and leaders available for sale.

YOUNGSTOWN — Joan Diouf’s first time in the Mahoning Valley will likely allow her to take home a greater appreciation of what can result when people come together in a spirit of harmony.

“In [many] large cities, they’re losing a sense of community,” said Diouf, of Cleveland. “I’m feeling all of that [a community bond] now, by the way people speak to each other here.”

Even though she didn’t spend a lot of time in the area, Diouf’s impressions of the Valley were shaped largely by seeing how people interacted with one another at Saturday’s African Marketplace event in Youngstown State University’s Kilcawley Center.

Sponsoring the six-hour gathering was YSU’s Africana Studies Program.

The marketplace, one of the university’s Black History Month programs, had been postponed Feb. 6 because of inclement weather.

Nevertheless, several hundred attendees filled the Chestnut Room Saturday and were treated to a wide range of items for sale such as art pieces, jewelry, and Afrocentric writings, all showcasing creative works by people of African descent. Diouf was one of more than 50 local and regional vendors who sold goods and products representing African culture and values.

For five years, Diouf has run her business, Nomad, and her specialties include teas, coffees, hair oils, shea butter and botanical products from Africa. She also had for sale a variety of jewelry with African themes she made while in New York City.

Other merchandise included incense, scented candles, compact discs, a table of T-shirts showing President Barack Obama and his family, racks of African clothing and colorful scarf sets. Also plentiful were tables selling pendants, bracelets, necklaces, key chains, potholders etched with the names of numerous professional sports teams, and books and literature sold by Worrick Mosebay of Martins Ferry, Ohio.

Mosebay, an independent bookseller who owns Thelma’s Conscious Books, brought a variety of Afrocentric literature as well as writings on spirituality, health and myriad other topics.

Mosebay got his start in California in the 1980s and named the store after his mother, who was a historian and teacher, he explained.

In addition, he said, he often sells his books at gatherings hosted by organizations such as the National Urban League and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“So many of these books you can’t find in a regular bookstore,” Mosebay said, adding that his girlfriend, Elizabeth Williams, also assisted.

A sampling included “An Unbroken Agony” by Randall Robinson, which talks about the tumultuous but heroic history of Haiti; “Black Firsts,” a “who’s-who” account of blacks’ achievements in government, education, religion, entertainment and other fields; and books on famous singers such as Sam Cooke.

The event certainly didn’t come up short on entertainment. Those not browsing the numerous tables and display racks were probably part of the audience that danced to or sat back to enjoy African music and rhythms by the Harambee Youth Group.

In addition to providing lots of African merchandise, entertainment and camaraderie, the marketplace also added a positive layer to the relationship between YSU and the community, noted Antonio Wilson, a promoter. Wilson also praised the vendors and attendees for returning, despite the postponement two weeks ago.

“I’m proud this event kicked off the way it did,” he said.