SAVE Black Farmer's Market
SAVE Black Farmer's Market
The Issue
WHAT WE DO
We are a non-profit organisation striving to uphold the vibrant culture of Brixton, an area currently losing its rich historical and cultural landscape to gentrification. Since our pilot in 2022, we have successfully held three farmers' markets, providing a platform for Black growers to sell their fresh produce and small businesses to trade. This exchange has impacted revenue performance for Black growers, small businesses and breathed life back into Brixton Station Road.
THE PROBLEM
However, we believe there is potential to do even more. Securing space on Brixton Station Road to regularly host our community events would vastly benefit the Black growers who are ostracised, oppressed and neglected by Farmer's Markets around London. In 2001, Lambeth had the largest Black population in London. It fell to fourth place in 2021 (Bloomberg 2023) despite the valuable and sustained contributions to the cultural and economic life of the borough.
Brixton Market Traders Federation CIC (run by the people, for the people) once maintained a thriving market on Brixton Station Road, through their excellent work. Sadly, the council failed to support this initiative.
Since the council's takeover in early 2022, the market has struggled alongside the support of Network Rail who evicted established traders in 2015. Antisocial behaviour has increased, leaving most traders and members of the public feeling unsafe.
We've successfully demonstrated the potential for regenerating this space on three occasions fostering a safer, cleaner environment with a strong sense of community. Businesses have thrived as foot traffic has increased at each event. Yet, since 2023, the council has blocked our efforts. Despite clear demand from businesses and the community, we're left wondering: Why? Is privatisation the underlying motive? We're still awaiting answers.
The availability of an allocated space on Brixton Station Road would provide considerable opportunities for the local community and businesses, including access to pesticide-free food, a safer regulated space for families, and fostering accountability. It would not only aid individual growers and businesses but reinforce Brixton's resilient spirit and rich heritage. To that end, we call upon Lambeth council to designate the space on Brixton Station Road for BFM community events championing Black growers, small businesses, and locals alike.
Express your support today and sign this petition.
(please note that we are not associated with The Black Farmer)
Love,
The BFM Team
6,145
The Issue
WHAT WE DO
We are a non-profit organisation striving to uphold the vibrant culture of Brixton, an area currently losing its rich historical and cultural landscape to gentrification. Since our pilot in 2022, we have successfully held three farmers' markets, providing a platform for Black growers to sell their fresh produce and small businesses to trade. This exchange has impacted revenue performance for Black growers, small businesses and breathed life back into Brixton Station Road.
THE PROBLEM
However, we believe there is potential to do even more. Securing space on Brixton Station Road to regularly host our community events would vastly benefit the Black growers who are ostracised, oppressed and neglected by Farmer's Markets around London. In 2001, Lambeth had the largest Black population in London. It fell to fourth place in 2021 (Bloomberg 2023) despite the valuable and sustained contributions to the cultural and economic life of the borough.
Brixton Market Traders Federation CIC (run by the people, for the people) once maintained a thriving market on Brixton Station Road, through their excellent work. Sadly, the council failed to support this initiative.
Since the council's takeover in early 2022, the market has struggled alongside the support of Network Rail who evicted established traders in 2015. Antisocial behaviour has increased, leaving most traders and members of the public feeling unsafe.
We've successfully demonstrated the potential for regenerating this space on three occasions fostering a safer, cleaner environment with a strong sense of community. Businesses have thrived as foot traffic has increased at each event. Yet, since 2023, the council has blocked our efforts. Despite clear demand from businesses and the community, we're left wondering: Why? Is privatisation the underlying motive? We're still awaiting answers.
The availability of an allocated space on Brixton Station Road would provide considerable opportunities for the local community and businesses, including access to pesticide-free food, a safer regulated space for families, and fostering accountability. It would not only aid individual growers and businesses but reinforce Brixton's resilient spirit and rich heritage. To that end, we call upon Lambeth council to designate the space on Brixton Station Road for BFM community events championing Black growers, small businesses, and locals alike.
Express your support today and sign this petition.
(please note that we are not associated with The Black Farmer)
Love,
The BFM Team
6,145
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Petition created on 4 September 2024