In the News

SPRINGFIELD — In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and protests in defense of Black lives, Athena Gamble decided to launch her own business in Springfield offering up sweet treats during a very difficult time.

Snap, Crackle & Pop is a gourmet popcorn business featuring flavor combinations like cookies and cream and pecan popcorn.

“It was definitely a risk, but one worth taking because it has been selling like crazy,” said Gamble, who joined dozens of businesses owners Friday in Springfield’s Court Square to celebrate Juneteenth.

Juneteenth marks the day — June 19, 1865 — that enslaved African Americans in Texas received word they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

The Western Massachusetts Black Chamber of Commerce, Real Recognize Fake and Peaceful Roots 413 decided that highlighting Black-owned businesses was one way to celebrate the historic day while at the same time promoting economic development.

“The whole concept is stating to the city of Springfield that Black businesses matter,” said Tiffany Allecia, founder of Real Recognize Fake, a Springfield-based community group. “Just the way we have been systematically oppressed, we want people to systematically invest in Black-owned businesses.”

Allecia said there is a myth that Springfield does not have anything going on.

“People think there is nothing in Springfield, no one is opening businesses and no one is doing things of value. After today we want people to see that everything we need is right here in Springfield and that we should invest in our city,” she said.

The event kicked off at DeBerry Park on Union Street and included performances by Black artists and a march downtown by Black business owners and their allies.

“It’s important to have events like this in the community because we have to educate our minds to understand that the true power is in wealth,” said Springfield City Councilor Malo Brown. “Sometimes we forget that we need to support Black businesses and how far a dollar in our community can go.”

Brown said the coronavirus pandemic has hit urban communities, which are densely populated, pretty hard.

“When it comes to services and health care and day-to-day life, those are the communities most affected,” he said. “If you look in the news there have been shootings hour after hour, tensions are high. It’s about economical and societal oppression. When we can start fighting that by supporting Black businesses and each other then we can create steps to overcome it.”

Greg Ellerbee, president of the Western Massachusetts Black Chamber of Commerce, wants residents and also large corporations, including banks, to recognize the importance of Black-owned businesses.

“Juneteenth is a very historical celebration for African American community,” he said. “There have been so many marches to protest police brutality, because of course it is terrible and people should be held accountable for their actions. But we can’t forget that economics play a big role. We need more support from local banks and lending institutions. We are looking for opportunities to be on a level playing field.”

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and members of the Brethren Community Foundation including Robert “Cee” Jackson also celebrated Juneteenth with a flag raising and proclamation at City Hall.

“This is a very important day in the Black community,” Sarno said, adding that a larger celebration was canceled due to the need for social distancing. “Still, we always look to do something out of respect to all that came before us, so I’m very happy the Brethren is here.”

State Rep. Bud Williams spoke at the event and said he is proud to have been one of the legislators to sponsor a bill in the House of Representatives this week that would make Juneteenth an official state holiday, a step that’s already been taken in other states. The Senate also passed a similar bill.

“There are a lot of changes going on in this country. We know how monumental this day is and the reason we want to make it a national paid holiday is because it deserves it. Black history is part of American history. American history has to incorporate Black history,” he said.

Massachusetts law calls for the governor to issue an annual Juneteenth proclamation and for the day to be observed on the closest Sunday to June 19.

Gov. Charlie Baker said he is open to recognizing the day on a wider scale.

“(I) look forward to working with the Legislature to come up with an approach to this that puts a much finer emphasis and a bigger point on Juneteenth,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said the holiday is a reminder that all American families deserve respect and to have their freedoms protected.

“Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures,” he said. “ Today, while our nation continues to suffer heartache and grief, is a timely reminder that we must continue to protect the freedoms that our nation was founded upon for all members of the American family.”

For business owners like Gamble, becoming a self-employed entrepreneur is a way to establish a legacy for her family. On Juneteenth she greeted new customers throughout the day interested in trying her fun flavors of popcorn.

“I have just always loved popcorn and candy and I started looking at the market for gourmet popcorn in this area and I decided to give it a try,” she said. “I do flash sales every week on my Facebook page and people preorder online. It has been going really well and I hope to be able to open a storefront in the city.”

Lenny Underwood, owner of Upscale Socks, a business he launched in 2016, said the national climate has increased interest in his business, from individual purchases to businesses wanting to partner with his brand.

“I have gotten many new online orders, some for $100-$200, and I’m in conversations about wholesale purchases, and it’s all been organic and unsolicited,” he said. “Obviously it is a very difficult time right now for race relations, and don’t know if the increase in sales comes from our allies wanting to support or if maybe there is some guilt involved. But I see it as an opportunity and it’s better late than never. I feel that there is a genuine interest to partner with the Black business community.”