By Andrew Hall
Special to the AFRO
The West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) launched a monthly community farmers market at the former Greenwood Towing site on July 25. The market provides fresh produce to an area with limited food access while also promoting revitalization, culture and community engagement. The market will take place on the last Saturday of each month.
Chad Williams, executive director of WNADA, explained the importance of the farmers market.
“Today’s event is really about activating the historic Penn North area around the Greenwood Towing site,” Williams said. “The West North Avenue corridor—even though it’s the second most traveled bus route in the state of Maryland—is a food desert. Activating the area provides fresh fruit, groceries, arts and culture, clothing and more for folks in the neighborhoods of Penn North, Sandtown, Upton and Reservoir Hill.”
When asked to describe West North Avenue, Williams said the community is genuine, hopeful and loving.
Several vendors sold fresh produce to the community. Erica Jones, who represented the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus, told the AFRO why direct access to fresh food is essential.
“The food system is not out there for us. That’s the bottom line,” Jones said. “We, the caucus, are trying to bring locally grown food to the community, where it’s clean, nutrient-rich and nutrient-dense, as opposed to the crap that we’re seeing in the grocery stores.”
Jones, a native of Maryland, also described the atmosphere of the event.
“The energy is vibrant, there’s lots of good energy, lots of beautiful artists, and of course, we have this beautiful food,” noted Jones. “WNADA is really just trying to bring access to a community that doesn’t have it on its own. So, we’re really happy to be here to support that and bring food that will nourish the body inside and out.”
The market provides fresh fruits and vegetables, vendors, music and community bonding. AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Maridian Skyy (left) poses with Taja Copeland (right). Skyy and Copeland created paintings with attendees. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Ezra Janey breakdances in the middle of a dance circle as attendees cheer him on. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Maryland Del. Sean Stinnett (D-41) enjoys the farmers market. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Shown here, Theo Atlas, of East Baltimore. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
East Baltimore native Cierra Spence bonds with her community at the farmers market. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Marc Evans, shares a moment with his wife, Tiffany Evans, before a performance at the market’s opening. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Radiance Monique, a florist known as the “Dirtbag Mixologist,” is one of many small business owners participating in the market. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Erica Jones represents the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus at the farmers market. Jones explained that direct access to fresh produce is essential. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall 
Chad Williams, executive director of the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA), says providing fresh produce, culture and more helps WNADA progress its mission of revitalizing the area. Credit: All AFRO Photos / Andrew Hall
More than fresh food, the farmers market provided a platform for small business owners to connect with community members.
Radiance Monique, a florist also known as the “Dirtbag Mixologist,” explained the passion behind her business.
“I teach everyone how to create gardens in small spaces. I want to teach the world how to grow their own food,” Monique said. “This is my first year having my own gardening business, but I’ve been gardening since I was a little girl. Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, gardening was the natural way of life. I feel like I’m living out my grandfather’s wildest dreams.”
Along with Monique’s gardening, attendees enjoyed art, clothing, food, jewelry and massages from other vendors. Entertainment included musical performances from Marc Evans, DJ Afr0Delic and more.
Cierra Spence, of East Baltimore, said she really enjoyed the market.
“This was really nice. I love community with my own people. Good vibes, nice people, very informational. I really enjoyed it,” said Spence. “I encourage everyone to try to go to any local farmers market.”
Theo Atlas, also of East Baltimore, detailed his experience.
“It’s been amazing. The food is delicious, the music is great, the art is ‘arting’ right now and everything is beautiful,” said Atlas. “If you missed out, then you missed out on some history. You missed out on Black excellence. You missed out on pouring back into the community in a way that is direct and not indirect. Don’t miss the next one.”
In an interview with the AFRO, Maryland Del. Sean Stinnett, D-41, explained what brought him to the farmers market.
“My neighbor Tasha, from West Arlington—I knew her when she started doing her garden, then I saw her post on social media, and I said ‘I need to come out and support, not just for the North Avenue community, but also for Tasha,’” Stinnett said. “So far, it’s been great. I love coming out to different farmers markets because this is needed. It’s about the community coming together, sharing information with each other. This is how we collaborate and get our morale up within the community to make us stronger and better.”
