The Ujamaa Freedom Market will hold a kick-off party this Thursday, May 15 at 9 pm at The Millroom, 66 Asheland Ave.

Admission is $10 at the door. Performers include DJ Anne-Marie on the 1’s & 2’s, Santos, Juan Holiday & Big Dave of Out the Gutta Ent.

The event will help support the organization’s mission to “to promote social, economic, environmental, and food justice by serving as a model for self-sufficiency while inspiring healthy relationships with food in order to strengthen the quality of life, health and well being of the community.”

Click here to read an article about Ujamaa Freedom Markt in the Citizen-Times.

Excerpt: “Officially founded at the beginning of 2013, the business is a worker-owned cooperative mobile market designed to provide fresh local produce, healthy prepared foods and other household necessities in communities throughout Asheville on a weekly basis, focusing particularly on communities experiencing poverty and so-called ‘food deserts.'”

Click here for an article about Ujamaa and other mobile markets in the Xpress.

Excerpts: “‘We want to show people that they can lift themselves while doing something that will benefit the community and benefit themselves at the same time,’ Lewis says.”

“‘The idea is to be a model for individuals that look like us and come from similar backgrounds,’ says Lewis. ‘We want to show that if you’re not accepted in the institutions that are out there, then you can create something new that is your own and supports you and that you will continue to be a part of.'”

You can find out their route each day on the Ujamaa Facebook page.

Hope to see you at the party!