<div><strong>Mama Africa’s Marketplace is more than a store—</strong>it is a lifeline for Chicago’s South Shore. For five years, we have served as a <a href="https://esl.uchicago.edu/2023/11/01/third-places-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important-to-american-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"third space"</a> for healing, culture, and economic liberation. Today, that home is under immediate threat.
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<div>Mama Africa’s was built for the community, and now we are calling on the community to help us bring it into permanent local hands. To safeguard our programs and our presence in South Shore, <strong>we must complete our purchase of the property by January 23rd.</strong>
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<div>We are not just fighting to keep our doors open;<strong> we are fighting for permanent stability. </strong>By purchasing this building, we ensure that South Shore retains a sanctuary for Black youth, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
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<div>Securing our building means more than just saving a space—it means lasting stability. Ownership allows us to focus on what matters: expanding our services and serving the South Shore for generations to come
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<div><strong>Our Impact by the Numbers:</strong>
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<li><strong>60+ Local Youth employed and mentored.</strong>
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<li><strong>50+ Black-Owned Vendors supported and showcased.</strong>
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<li><strong>5 Years of serving as a hub for mutual aid, interfaith healing, and cultural celebration.</strong>
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<li>A Safety Net for the disenfranchised through initiatives like the <strong>"Free Store"</strong> and <strong>"Feed the People". </strong>
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<div>We are closer than you think. Thanks to powerful community partnerships and lead contributions, we have already secured the vast majority of our $600,000 goal.
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<div><strong>This has brought our remaining crowdfunding target down to just $100,000. Now, we need the community to help us close this final chapter and anchor our home for good.</strong>
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>Supporting this acquisition represents a meaningful investment in the long-term stability and self-determination of South Shore.
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<div>Every contribution ensures that community resources remain in local hands—fostering economic circulation and preserving a vital cultural sanctuary for future generations.
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<li><strong>Donate:</strong> No amount is too small. Every contribution goes directly toward the building purchase fund.
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<li><strong>Shop: </strong>Support us by shopping in-store or <a href="https://mamaafricasmarketplace.com/shop" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">online</a>.
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<li><strong>Share: </strong>Help our story go viral. Awareness is just as valuable as capital.
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<div>Help us SAVE MAMA AFRICA'S MARKETPLACE!!!! 
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<div><strong>Thank You All! </strong>
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Olivia Burquest

Beamin D

Anonymous

Lillian Goldhirsch

meghan mcnally

Lauren Sienko

Terrie Mccrary

Nick Eliopulos

Tarika Johnson

Tabitha Arment

Jacob Henry-Camille

Yannik Omictin

Byron Whaley

URGENT: SAVE  MAMA AFRICA’S MARKETPLACE

URGENT: SAVE MAMA AFRICA’S MARKETPLACE

Still $9,331 to go. Help us build momentum.