Vendors Are Entrepreneurs Too: The Powerful Life Behind the Booth
- Brother Levon X
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
By Brother James Shabazz | Contributor Writer
For centuries, vendors have stood at the heart of the marketplace, shaping local economies and creating paths to independence long before the term “entrepreneur” became popular. Yet, despite their importance, vendors are often overlooked, seen only as people selling goods on the street. But the truth is, vendors are business owners, marketers, and public relations experts—all rolled into one.
They don’t just sell products—they sell themselves, their stories, and their vision for a better life. And they do it with pride, grit, and determination.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan once said, “Economics is warfare.” As vendors, we live this truth every day. Whether we’re competing with chain stores or standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow street merchants, we understand the battlefield of economics. It's not just about selling—it’s about surviving, building, and thriving through hustle, heart, and strategy.
The Craft of Public Relations in the Streets
A vendor must know how to speak. How to smile. How to greet. How to hold a customer’s attention with just a few words. That’s public relations at its finest. There’s no PR firm doing the work—we are the firm. Every pitch, every conversation, every display is a calculated move to attract, engage, and close. That is real entrepreneurship.
The Bigger Picture: Vendors Drive the Economy
Don’t let the humble setup fool you. Vendors help circulate money in the community. We buy supplies, pay fees, support families, and even provide part-time jobs. We turn ideas into income, and sidewalks into success stories. Vendors are essential to the economic bloodstream, especially in underserved communities. Now more than ever, it’s time to uplift this work—not just as hustle, but as a respectable and necessary profession.
2026: A Major Opportunity Is Coming
The 250th anniversary of America’s founding is around the corner. This will be a two-year national celebration, and the economic opportunity is massive. Tourists from across the world will flood into cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Chicago, and Baltimore. And with that comes billions of dollars in spending. So the question is—will we be ready to get our fair share?
In 1976, during the bicentennial, I sold hot dogs, balloons, and t-shirts of my own design. It wasn’t just a hustle—it was a plan. I made money, connected with people, and reinvested in my business. I plan to do it again for the 250th. But this time, I’m calling on all Black entrepreneurs, especially faith-based and grassroots organizations, to prepare now.
What Can We Sell? What Can We Offer?
Food Vendors – From cultural dishes to street snacks, tourists love local flavor.
Merchandise – T-shirts, hats, posters, jewelry, and souvenirs with a unique cultural twist.
Media and Content – Journalists, bloggers, and podcasters can tell our stories and document the event.
Real Estate and Pop-Ups – Use this moment to establish commercial roots for future businesses.
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