• 3/16/25

Seattle Event Blends Baseball, Black Culture, and Business Empowerment

Seattle, WA – Victory Hall in SODO was alive with energy last Thursday as the "Ladies First Marketplace" and a unique “Take Me Out to the Quad - An HBCU Vibe Bingo Experience” event took center stage, creating a vibrant celebration of Black women-owned businesses and community fellowship. While part of the larger HBCU Seattle Series featuring a matchup between Seattle University and Coppin State University (HBCU) Baseball teams, this particular evening focused on empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a lively, culturally rich atmosphere.

The "Ladies First Marketplace" kicked off the night, showcasing an array of 15 Black women-owned businesses. Jazz from Seattle, who curated the marketplace, emphasized its importance: "Events like this are super important to highlight and uplift black owned businesses, women owned businesses, and highlighting the things that they sell, letting them know that you don't have to go to big box stores to get these items that you can support right within your community, and keep the black dollars circulating within our community." The marketplace offered a diverse range of products, from holistic items to African garments, creating a bustling hub of commerce and connection.

Marie Kidhe, managing member and owner of Reimagine Solution, LLC, described the event as "celebrating a movement." She noted, "We are celebrating Black people coming together to welcome Coppin State University as we bring the HBCU Seattle Series to full fruition," while also highlighting the "15 phenomenal female, Black-owned businesses that are providing an amazing array of wears and tears and all the brilliance in between." Kidhe's words underscored the dual purpose of the evening: supporting entrepreneurs and building community.

Deaunte Damper, host of "We Live in Color" on Converge Media, was impressed by the variety. "I mean, from shea butter to oils to jewelry. I mean, everything is here," he said. "Above all else, I just love seeing my beautiful black women celebrate themselves in black business."

Patrice Norwood, owner and designer of Mudda Succulent Designs, shared her experience as a vendor. "I feel happiness. I feel like I'm at home. I see us in here," she said. "You know, just representation of small black businesses." Norwood also mentioned her DIY succulent designs, adding, "So you come and you pick out your vessel, you pick out your plant, and then you get to go home with all of the materials to make your plant a home."

Later in the evening, the energy shifted to "Vibe Bingo," an HBCU-themed twist on the classic game. Jazz from Seattle mentioned, "Tonight, I'm most looking forward to handing out prizes. We have signed Ken Griffey Jr jerseys, bobble heads, and different prizes from some vendors. So I'm excited for people to win by bingo, enjoy themselves and have a good time." The event was not just about winning prizes but also about creating a space for joy, laughter, and connection.

Almost everyone that I spoke to said that seeing the success of the HBCU Swingman Classic played a huge role in seeing what was possible in Seattle by connecting baseball, HBCUs, and community.

The inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic occurred during the 2023 MLB All-Star Week at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. This All-Star experience showcased 50 baseball student-athletes from Division-I HBCU programs, providing them a national stage to display their talent. Organized by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., MLB, and the MLBPA, the event highlighted the rich history and legacy of HBCU baseball. Bookie Gates noted that the Swingman Classic was a catalyst, giving visibility to HBCU student-athletes and inspiring local youth. The success and excitement generated by the Swingman Classic created a demand and served as the inspiration for the subsequent HBCU Seattle Series, aiming to grow and preserve HBCU baseball in the Northwest and create a lasting connection. As Gates reflected, "That moment was one that I think we all came to recognize and felt the excitement to see historically black college and university ballplayers in our city and to be able to showcase their talents in the Northwest," further solidifying the event's impact and the need for continued HBCU baseball presence in the region.

The "Ladies First Marketplace" and "Vibe Bingo" event were integral to the HBCU Seattle Series, adding a layer of cultural richness and community engagement. As Jazz from Seattle stated, "It's super important for events like this to happen to let people know that we are in Seattle. We don’t have a huge black community out here. We are not big in population but big in heart, so pull up and come see us." The evening successfully showcased the vibrant Black community in Seattle and the power of supporting Black-owned businesses.

The "Ladies First Marketplace" and "Vibe Bingo" event at Victory Hall was definitely a success, bringing people together to celebrate Black culture, entrepreneurship, and the spirit of fellowship, all within the context of baseball, and the larger HBCU Seattle Series.

Ladies First Marketplace Vendors Name and Instagram

How we met Apothecary (@howwemetapothecary)

Muddas Succulent Design (@muddassucculentdesigns)

Noir Lux Candles (@noirluxcandleco)

Cree8tions (@cree8tions)

D's Craft Room Creations,LLC (@dscraftroomcreations)

Cr8tyffs (@cr8tyffs)

Its Poppin (@itss_poppin)

AfricanPrintakeover (@africanprinttakeover)

Soul Chains (@soulchainscollection)

Melanated Minis (@melanatedminisllc)

Infinity Jones (@_infinityjones)