MISSION

To operate as the premier global hub for Black and Melanin-owned businesses, brands, and consumers — a dynamic platform that:

Amplifies ideas, products, and services to attract new audiences, cultivate loyal customers, and fuel long-term brand success;
Empowers the community through education on the economic strength and transformative impact of the Black dollar;
Creates inclusive ecosystems that foster local, national, and global commerce within our communities;
Drives innovation, storytelling, and enterprise growth through creative content and emerging technologies;
Inspires meaningful engagement, collaboration, and impact across industries and generations;
Curates and celebrates Black excellence by spotlighting products, narratives, and cultural contributions that shape our future.

and a catalyst for generational change.

VISION

We are committed to increasing community spending with Black-owned businesses to 97%, creating a powerful and sustainable cycle of economic empowerment.
Through national events, digital expansion, and AI-driven tools, we will continue to innovate the culture, connecting quality business owners with customers who believe in the power of intentional support.

We are also paving the way for future generations by building a Melanin Marketplace for youth — a hands-on entrepreneurial platform where kids learn how to create, build, and scale their own businesses from an early age.

As we share real success stories and showcase the power of ownership and innovation, the world is embracing The Melanin Market® as more than just an event — it’s now seen as a global launchpad for minority entrepreneurs to thrive, lead, and leave a lasting legacy.

We are not just participating in the future — we are creating it.

ABOUT US

Meet The Team

Kyra Brinson

Team Coordinator +

Community Strategist

Charlee" Cha-Cha"Dean

Hospitality Specialist &

Event Manager & Host

James Dewalt

Event Assistant &

Fashion Show Coordinator

Celebrating 8 Years of Innovation, Culture, and Black Business Excellence

Since its founding in January 2017, The Melanin Market has stood as a powerful movement dedicated to elevating Black and minority entrepreneurs. What started as a single event in South Jersey has blossomed into a nationally recognized platform — connecting thousands of customers with businesses that reflect the richness, innovation, and brilliance of our culture.

Over the last eight years, The Melanin Market has done more than host events — it has sparked a revolution.
Through our pop-ups, festivals, and business expos, we've helped launch and scale hundreds of Black-owned brands, creating real success stories that have echoed from local neighborhoods to international stages.

As we enter 2025, The Melanin Market is evolving again — fusing artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and community empowerment to open even more doors for entrepreneurs. Through our new digital platforms, AI tools, and online marketplaces, we are making it easier than ever for businesses to connect, scale, and thrive in a global economy.

We’ve witnessed firsthand the power of circulating the Black dollar within our own communities, and now we're empowering businesses with the technology, data, and resources to compete and grow — worldwide.

Our impact over the past 8 years includes:

Thousands of successful vendor connections
Hundreds of Black entrepreneurs scaling their businesses
Millions of dollars in community-based economic activity
Global inspiration: from college campuses to UK pop-up shops adopting the #TheMelaninMarket model

Today, The Melanin Market is more than a market — it’s a movement, a lifestyle, and a cultural shift.
We are expanding our mission to become a world leader in Black culture, commerce, and community building through:

Live events and expos
Digital marketplaces and AI-powered tools
Entrepreneurial education and mentorship
Content and media that celebrates our excellence

Whether it’s at a festival, in a digital marketplace, or through an AI-driven resource hub, we are committed to bringing The Melanin Market experience directly to your fingertips — and into the future.

Join us as we continue to heal the culture, build wealth, and transform generations — one business, one dream, and one connection at a time.

#TheMelaninMarket #AIForTheCulture #BlackBusinessFuture

Meet The CEO

Lamar Robinson Co-Founder & CEO of The Melanin Market Experience®️

Brand Engineer | Event Specialist | Philanthropist

🌟 Lamar Robinson aka Mar Weez, CEO of The Melanin Market™️ 🌟

Lamar Robinson isn't your typical entrepreneur; he's a visionary growth operator and event specialist. Originally from Philadelphia , raised in the Pennypacker section of Willingboro, NJ, Lamar's return to Philly in 2009 marked the start of his remarkable journey as a marketing powerhouse. With over 15 years of experience orchestrating high-profile marketing events and festivals, Lamar is an esteemed authority in his field.