Photo: Alex Scribner/VPM News
In this time of social distancing and heightened political violence, people from marginalized groups say finding a sense of community has become increasingly important.
In Richmond, Andy Waller tries to provide that support with the Safe Space Market. Waller says the name “Safe Space” has two meanings: a safe, healthy environment to prevent COVID-19 spread and a safe, inclusive home for marginalized communities.
Photo: Alex Scribner/VPM News
Before venturing through Lakeside Farmers Market, which hosts Safe Space biweekly, Charlene Chotalal welcomes visitors and explains the guidelines in place for a COVID-safe environment. Among other requests, only one group should stop at a vendor at a time, and masks are required. Chotalal reached out to Waller about creating the greeter position to encourage an accessible, inclusive environment but also to “get back out there” after a year of near isolation.
Safe Space Market hopes to serve diverse Richmond community
With the pandemic taking a toll on small businesses that depend on fairs and vendor markets to sell products, two small-business owners came up with an idea for a new type of market that highlights marginalized businesses while staying COVID-friendly.
and last updated 2021-02-23 11:19:12-05
RICHMOND, Va. With the pandemic taking a toll on small businesses that depend on fairs and vendor markets to sell products, two small-business owners came up with an idea for a new type of market that highlights marginalized businesses while staying COVID-friendly.
The Safe Space Market is taking place every Friday at Lakeside Farmer s Market on the Northside.
Jackie Friend (left) and fellow SAVE LSAC campaigners talking to a TV news crew at Yeadon Tarn CAMPAIGNERS have been out gathering support for the fight to save the Leeds Sailing & Activity Centre. The facility (LSAC) at Yeadon Tarn is under threat of closure through cost-cutting plans by Leeds City Council which is trying to plug a multi-million pound budget shortfall for 2021-22. Local politicians are opposing the move and exploring options - including having the centre taken over into community ownership - to keep it open. The SAVE LSAC campaign, meanwhile, has started a petition at https://www.change.org/SaveLSACpetition which has already gathered more than 3,200 signatures. Campaigners were out at Yeadon Tarn last Saturday, December 12 to raise awareness of the fight and gather more support.