The Buy Black Marketplace (BBM) at the Shrine Cultural and Events Center kicked off its sixth year of providing an opportunity for entrepreneurs and consumers to gather together to support and celebrate Black businesses. United under the goal of community empowerment, participants voted with their dollars, directing their purchasing power towards Black businesses. The BBM is Houston’s oldest and largest event of its kind, opening its doors to customers every first and third Saturday of the month. Attendees included Nailah Nelson (director), Dr. Munirah Wilson, Teketeke Dickerson, Ashanti Hughes, Amanda Hall, Douglas Barnes, Ariel Ellis, Brittany Whitaker, Sheldon Webber, Kimora Drake, Ricanda Webber, Victoria Echols, Francis Oyakhire, Loretta Oyakhire and many others.

I'm originally from Cincinnati. I'm a husband and father to six children. I'm an associate pastor for the Shrine of Black Madonna (Houston). I am a lecturer (adjunct professor) in the University of Houston...