By: Reese Felt
Kinecta welcomed Spicy Green Book Food Market to Manhattan Beach on Feb. 11, showcasing Black-owned food truck companies, Black culture, and one-of-a-kind clothing items. In August 2022, Kinecta partnered with Spicy Green Book Food Market in hopes of show- ing diversity through various fundraisers. According to Kine- cta, they have become incredibly compatible partners. They are working toward making these events an annual event to educate people and bring the community closer together.
Over 20 vendors sold food, different styled clothing, hand- made jewelry, and even books to promote different Black-owned businesses around the neighbor- hood. This was a family-friendly event in which games were pro- vided for everyone to enjoy and take part in. A range of different cultural foods and dishes were provided for everyone to enjoy.
When entering the market, bouncy houses can be instantly spotted as well as horses, food trucks, and clothing tables. Throughout the parking lot where the market was located, music could be heard from a variety of cultures, and different kinds of food and booths filled up the parking lot selling clothes and accessories.
There were three main bouncy houses which entertained visitors. There were also some fun games to compete with family and friends. One bouncy house had slides people raced down, a game showed who could shoot more basketballs, and a third, Roller Ball, had the goal of accumulat- ing the most points. The entirety of this event was entertaining and created a memorable experience.
One of the many stands that was featured in the Spicy Green Book Market is The Rose Petals. This booth was extremely welcom- ing, with friendly workers who were running the stand. They were selling a variety of boldly styled clothing with bright col- ors and fun patterns. This booth had bright pants, flower patterned bags, trendy jeans, and socks matching the name of the brand.
Spicy Green Book Market provided visitors with aesthetic visuals. The ice cream truck was a perfect addition for the food market since it added personality and originality to this event. NitzByNat sold accessories such as jewelry and bags. The business sold Afrocentric state- ment jewelry like sunglasses, bracelets, hand bags, headbands, and earrings. These items were distinguished by a color palette and of pink, brown, blue, and yellow, while some other state- ment pieces were green, black, gray, and yellow.
Another booth called MADE FOR QUEENS, sold Ankara print pieces found in Nigeria that were hand-made con- sisting of bracelets, bangles, headwraps, turban headbands, bags, hand fans, hair bonnets, and wallets. Their products are in- spired by women who love vibrant colors and beautiful, one- of-a- kind patterns.
Some booths in the market were dedicated to literary authors from the Black community. Jean Perry, the author of “Pepperwick,” had her own booth where she was sell- ing her book for middle schoolers about slavery. The book contains messages of what it means to be persistent in what one wants to achieve. Her inspiration behind her book is derived from stories she had heard during her youth. According to Perry, her objective in writing this book is to share the importance of family and history.
Spicy Green Book and Food Market was held on Feb. 11 in the Kinecta parking lot located at 1440 Rosecrans Ave. Manhattan Beach.
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