The Black of Center Holiday Market

Skip Amazon and the big box stores, and support Black LGBTQ+ creatives for this year’s holiday giving! The Black of Center Holiday Market features local artists, creatives, and makers from the five boroughs and beyond. Come indulge, kiki, build connections, and support Black-owned small businesses this holiday season!
To request an accommodation for this event or with any questions, please contact Trevon Mayers at tmayers@gaycenter.org by December 10, 2022.
Saturday, December 17, 2022
3-7 p.m.
In co-sponsorship with:
The space will be full of energy and holiday cheer thanks to co-hosts Ava Grey and Glo Butler, who will provide some light entertainment for our shoppers. We are excited to welcome you through our doors for a lively day of supporting Black LGBTQ+ creators and building community together!
Ava Grey (She/Her)
Ava Grey is an actor and humanitarian. She has worked in television on projects such as ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Gentefied’ and plays Anita in the latest film ‘Run Sweetheart Run’ on Amazon Prime. Keep up with Grey on her Instagram @avagrey.xo.
Glo Butler (She/Her)
Glo Butler is a Brooklyn based comedian/reiki practitioner who has performed all over the country. She is the producer and host of POC Queer/ Trans comedy Show “Glo in the City Live”, as well as Black Grits Comedy Drag and Burlesque show in Brooklyn. She was most recently featured in the New York Comedy Fest. You can also check her acting in the Comedic Web Series, “Moonie” and “Glo in the City,” now on Youtube. Time Out Mag selected her as one of the top “LGBTQ POC Comedians You Should Know.”
Big Black Wic
The inspiration for creating Big Black Wic™ came after the founder, Elijah Li, went on a date with his husband to a candle making class. The scents and names of Big Black Wic™ candles were inspired by dating experience both he and his friends have had.
CKGT Apparel
Cool Kids Go To Therapy Apparel (CKGT) Apparel is a lifestyle brand that shows the joy and duality of people like you putting their mental health first. All CKGT Apparel and collaborations celebrate people having courageous conversations to live as their best self.
Heal Wellness
Heal Wellness aims to equip the collective with the tools needed to heal from within. Chakra tests, realignment, energy cleansing, spiritual bath, wellness coaching, counseling, and Heal House experiences are all offered in the NYC area and beyond.
Housofblk
Housofblk by Diana Ortiz was created in 2020, when I taught myself collage art. My artwork is a blend of dreams and fantasies in which I bring all to life. I want people to imagine with me!
Illustrations by Anthony Amiewalan
Anthony Amiewalan is a Brooklyn-based artist and author. He uses mixed mediums to express solidarity moments of reflection. Anthony incorporates his illustrations into a range of products, such as prints, tote bags, greeting cards, apparel, and books.
Jewlz by Day
I’m a young black non-binary queer creator with a love for crystals, gems, and unique hand crafted accessories.
OloriVybez
My name is Shenna but I go by Olori. I am a healer, energy reader, doula, and I own Olorivybez which is a black and woman owned metaphysics shop.
Özemi Beauty
Ozemi strikes the perfect interfusion between lifestyle, beauty, and spirituality. We believe Ozemi Beauty rituals foster a healing mindset, producing a naturally powerful position toward self care and stress relief.
MECCAfro
I create handmade hair accessories for all genders. My accessories are unique in color, style, texture, and made with love! I also am a reseller collecting unique rare vintage finds to share with all.
Start to Finish Apparel
As an apparel brand existing within the activewear/athleisure space, we do not limit ourselves to all the places we can go. Through transitional, utility, and weatherproof apparel, we encourage folx to achieve their goals by starting with intention and finishing with grace.
Triple T-shirts
This distinctive wearable art, known as Triple T-shirts, elevates the everyday fashion item of T-shirts from commonplace to uncommon works of art.
Rooted In Me Skincare
My name is Adrianne and I am the Creator and Founder of Rooted In Me Skincare. My products were created out of a desire to help the men in my family who wanted to add more moisture and shine to their beards.
Solo Scoop Creamery
Solo Scoop Creamery is a Black Woman Owned artisanal mobile creamery based in the heart of Brooklyn. Our exclusive flavors are inspired by our owner Dennine’s past and future solo travels. We release new flavors every month, each with a unique taste and strong connection to the destination it is inspired by.
Uncle Yankey’s Pepper
Uncle Yankey’s Pepper Sauce was created in 2021 in the midst of the Covid pandemic and although it was very daunting at first, I went along with my dream of bringing a piece of my homeland from Trinidad and Tobago to the US to share with others.
WE LIT!
DREAM owner and founder of WE LIT, also known as We Live In Truth, is the First Black Trans nonbinary affirmative candle company. Affirming gender identities one candle at a time.