Black on the Block: $4M Boost to Black-Owned Businesses in 2025
Black on the Block Draws Thousands at LA Center “We generated over $4 million in consumer spending with Black-owned businesses in 2025,” said Lanie Edwards, co-founder of Black on the Block . The traveling marketplace, which began in Los Angeles, c...
Black News 
Black on the Block Draws Thousands at LA Center
“We generated over $4 million in consumer spending with Black-owned businesses in 2025,” said Lanie Edwards, co-founder of Black on the Block. The traveling marketplace, which began in Los Angeles, continues to attract thousands of attendees as it expands across major U.S. cities.
The figure reflects 11 events nationwide, including monthly markets drawing approximately 3,000 attendees and larger events, such as Juneteenth celebrations, attracting up to 8,000 people.
The most recent Los Angeles event took place at Los Angeles Center Studios on March 28, featuring more than 100 Black-owned vendors, food, a sports lounge, games, community giveaways, and live performances by BJRNCK and Bee-B.
In honor of Women’s History Month, the event highlighted an all-women DJ lineup, including DJ Hourglass, DJ Rosegawd, and Giselle Peppers.
The concept for Black on the Block began in 2021 after the pandemic disrupted small businesses and limited in-person commerce. Founders Lanie and Char Edwards recognized a gap in accessibility.
“People wanted to support Black-owned businesses but didn’t know how to find them,” Lanie said. “So we brought everybody into one space.”
What began as a single event quickly evolved into a national platform.
“We had no idea that it would turn into this,” Char added. “Five years later, it’s like, look at that.”
Today, the marketplace serves as a traveling ecosystem connecting vendors, consumers, and communities, with Los Angeles remaining central to its identity.
“We definitely created a space where everyone feels safe to come,” Lanie said. “We bring the vendors, the food, and the entertainment, but it’s really the people that bring the vibes.”
Despite early challenges, including venue changes and navigating permits, the founders built a strong operational foundation with support from family and mentors. Their mother, Deborah, stepped in as CFO, while an experienced mentor helped manage talent coordination.
The marketplace showcases a diverse range of vendors, many of whom launched their businesses during the pandemic and continue to grow.
Koi, founder of Asanti By Koi, describes her jewelry as rooted in intention and wellness.
“I make water-resistant, tarnish-free, high-quality jewelry with the intention to really use them as tools to help elevate your wellness journey,” she said.
Avise Parsons, founder of Avise Organics, began her fragrance business in her kitchen.
“I make them literally in my kitchen,” she shared. “My real inspiration is my grandma.”
Oliver, founder of Superior Crack Seasoning, engages customers through live demonstrations that convert interest into immediate sales.
The marketplace fulfills both commercial and community-driven goals, offering vendors exposure while allowing customers to connect directly with founders.
“I feel great. We brought people together. We did what we were supposed to do,” Lanie said.
Looking ahead, the founders plan to expand into new markets and explore opportunities beyond in-person events.
“Black on the Block is way more than a market,” Lanie said. “It’s really like an umbrella for all these different pockets of Blackness that we can support.”
Char Edwards also envisions global growth.
“I would love to see it in different countries,” she said. “We want everybody to come here and find a space for themselves and see themselves in our event.”
