Lanie & Char Edwards

Black on the Block was founded by sisters Lanie and Char Edwards. As small business owners and tastemakers living in Los Angeles, we found the need for a community based event to support local Black-owned businesses that are often overlooked. We also realized many of our peers were looking to support Black-owned businesses but did not know where to find them.

The first market was on Juneteenth 2021. Our small goal of having 30 vendors quickly turning into 80+ as word about the even spread through our social channels and vast network, even catching the eye of Target who sent volunteers to help the day of. With a highly successful turnout of $1,500 attendees of all ages and races, as well as numerous vendors selling out, it was a decided to continue doing them once a month.