From Chris and Kai Grant, the Founders of Black Market Nubian

Black Market Nubian has been a Tree of Life, rooted for nearly a decade in Roxbury—serving as a platform for Black culture, creativity, commerce, and community. As founders, we have built this space to uplift artists, entrepreneurs, and residents in Nubian Square and beyond.

As we approach our 10th anniversary, we are facing our most urgent challenge yet: the possibility of closing our doors in 17 days, on April 30, if we cannot secure the funds needed to purchase our building and protect this space permanently.

This moment is bigger than Black Market Nubian. In recent years, our broader community has faced disproportionate business closures, job loss, legal challenges, and the withdrawal of commitments made during the 2021 racial equity movement. At the same time, rapid gentrification continues to displace long-standing, Black-led spaces across Roxbury.

Our fight is not just for survival—it is for permanence, ownership, and the ability to continue serving the community we have always called home.

How Funds Will Be Used

All funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward securing the future of Black Market Nubian by contributing to the purchase of the building and associated acquisition costs.

Specifically, funds will be used for:

Down payment and purchase-related costs for the property

Legal, closing, and transaction fees

Immediate operational stabilization to ensure continuity during the acquisition process

If circumstances change—such as the purchase not being completed within the required timeframe—we will provide a public update and clearly communicate how funds will be redirected. In that case, funds may be used to support continued operations, including lease retention, relocation, and sustaining core programming and community initiatives.

Black Market Nubian will continue its programming regardless of the outcome of the building purchase. This includes our annual Block Party—a cornerstone community event—as well as ongoing cultural programming, vendor markets, and community gatherings that define our presence in Nubian Square.

Fund Management and Beneficiary Information

This fundraiser is organized by the founders of Black Market Nubian, a mission-driven social enterprise located in Nubian Square.

Beneficiary:

AfriKai LLC (the entity operating Black Market Nubian)

Relationship:

The founders of Black Market Nubian are the owners and managers of AfriKai LLC.

How funds are handled:

Donations are deposited into an account designated for the acquisition of the building where Black Market Nubian operates

Funds are used exclusively for the purposes outlined above

Payments are made directly toward the property purchase and related expenses

We are working closely with advisors and consultants supporting this process to ensure funds are used responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with the goal of securing long-term ownership of this space.

Why This Matters Now

With the purchase option expiring on April 30, time is critical.

By supporting this campaign, you are not only helping to preserve Black Market Nubian—you are helping to protect a vital cultural and economic hub that supports artists, vendors, entrepreneurs, and community members across Boston.

This is a collective effort—for us, by us—and every contribution brings us closer to securing this space for the future.