MVBBV Fair

Last year co-founders Mayara Reis, Elizabeth Walther-Grant and Bria Gadsden started the nonprofit, Merrimack Valley Black & Brown Voices in response to the need they saw with persons of color feeling welcome and included in the predominantly white area of North Andover. At first, a Facebook group was created as a place to gain support and to build connections and within a short period of time that group had welcomed over 1000 members throughout the Merrimack Valley area. As more volunteers came forward and donations were given to expand the reach of what they were already doing on a small-scale, the co-founders decided to create a non-profit. Through their mission they hope to “provide Black, Indigenous and People of Color a safe space to connect, share resources and create systemic changes to eliminate prejudice and discrimination in surrounding communities.” The MVBBV has been holding vendor fairs for the past year, showcasing the work of Black, Brown and Indigenous small business owners and this month they are bringing that fair, along with approximately 25 vendors to Mill No. 5 on Sunday, Nov. 21 from 10am-2pm. (The hours of The Farm Market will be extended for that day only.) For more information on MVBBV and how you can donate or become involved, please log onto https://www.mvbbvoices.org/