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["Michael Burns" <michael AT fingerlakespermaculture.org>]

Congo Square Market
Now open Fridays from 4-8 pm from May 21 to September 2010!

Ithaca's Congo Square Market opened on June 12, 2009 at Southside Community
Center.  Named for the famous Congo Square in New Orleans, this market honors
African-American history.  In the early days of US slavery, recently enslaved
African and others could gather in Congo Square on Sundays for music, dance,
and stories.

The market will operate between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Friday evenings from
June through September at the Southside Community Center, 305 South Plain
Street, Ithaca.

The Congo Square Market aims to recreate this historical gathering in the
Southside Community, with its purpose being:
1.   to build a stronger and more self-reliant local community,
2.   to develop Southside's economic base, and
3.   to encourage community and personal health.

Congo Square Market is for the empowerment of our local community and is a
collaboration between Southside Community Center, Ithaca Youth Bureau's Paul
Scheurs Memorial Program, and the Whole Community Project at Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. Jhakeem Haltom, a staff member of
the Paul Scheurs Program, is the market founder and manager. The Robert S.
Smith Award provided a portion of start-up funds.

Congo Square Market features a weekly fruit and vegetable stall with seasonal
local produce and other produce that is in high demand in the community.

Vendors during the first summer included Diaspora Gallery, Sōshəl
clothing designs, Urban Wear, and several food stalls including smoothies,
homemade empanadas, La Paladar Cuban food, Tucker's Catering, and home-style
soul food prpared by the members of the Bethlehem CHurch of Jesus Christ.

Live, local music is also featured on Friday evenings.  All proceeds from the
fruit and vegetable stand and all vendor fees are reinvested in the Congo
Square Market as needed and in Southside Community Center programming.

Those interested in vending should contact Mr. Haltom at 607-351-7602. People
new to vending are especially welcome and start-up support will be provided.

Youth Employment Services employed local youth to work with market founder
Jhakeem Haltom during the first summer.  The youth learned and demonstrated
managerial, accounting and customer service skills.  They also spent time at
Stick-and-Stone Farm, learning about agriculture and farming.

Contact:
Jhakeem Haltom, Congo Square Market Founder and Manager
Email: jhaltom AT cityofithaca.org Phone: 607-351- 7602

Jemila Sequeira, Whole Community Project Coordinator
Email: es538 AT cornell.edu Phone: 607-272-2292 ext. 157

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