What’s up: For the Culture

Arriving at Culture Makers Market on a Sunday afternoon, the first thing you’ll notice is the sweet smell of Caribbean food filling your nose. Reggae music plays from the speakers, guiding your imagination to the tropics. Outside, vendors line the parking lot, selling everything from handmade bow ties to essential oils under their white tents. There’s nothing like it in Baton Rouge.

The market pops up on the last Sunday of every month outside Culture Reggae Club on the outskirts of downtown. It offers an inclusive space for small businesses to buy from each other, sell their goods and foster community.

Stephanie Elwood started Culture Makers Market in May. As a licensed horticulturist and the co-owner of food pop-up and catering business Fresh Cravings, she wanted to create a space for people of color to celebrate and embrace their cultures.

“Culture Makers Market is a place for black and brown vendors to set up their goods and essentially be a village for one another and also for anyone who wants to come and support us,” Elwood says.

During the event, visitors can dance to reggae music and purchase drinks at the club’s bar. Outside, people can purchase food and browse vendors like Urban Bros juice shop, Sac Ladies Creole Kitchen and Nice Stems urban flower farm.

“It’s really focused on creating culture, preserving culture, celebrating culture and just basking in the culture,” Elwood says. “It’s about getting filled up on that Sunday afternoon so you can go back ready for work or whatever it is on Monday.”

The event is held from 4-8 p.m. at Culture Reggae Club at 450 Oklahoma St. instagram.com/renothemachino

This article was originally published in the November 2018 issue of 225 Magazine.