Affordability Matters: Woman’s Perspective on 4th Avenue Market

When I scroll through 4th Avenue Market, I’m reminded why spaces like this matter so much. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a community built on the heartbeat of Black culture, beauty, and entrepreneurship. But as I read the latest newsletter and listened to the community’s voices, one theme stood out loud and clear: affordability matters.

As a Black woman, I know first-hand that quality hair, skin, and wellness products aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. We’re juggling rent, groceries, and childcare while still wanting to support Black-owned brands that understand our needs. The reality is that affordability isn’t about being cheap, it’s about access and dignity.

Supporting Black businesses shouldn’t mean sacrificing financial stability. If anything, affordability ensures more of us can buy from these brands consistently, which sustains their growth. When we can’t afford to shop within our own community, we’re forced to spend elsewhere, and the cycle of wealth building is broken.

Imagine a world where a young Black woman doesn’t have to choose between a product that works for her coils and her grocery bill. That’s the world we should be building, a 4th Avenue Market that not only celebrates Black excellence but also makes it reachable for every budget.

Affordability doesn’t diminish value; it amplifies it. It says: You matter enough for us to make this attainable. And that’s the kind of community I want to be part of, one where support is mutual, inclusive, and sustainable.

4th Avenue Market has already proven it listens. By prioritizing affordability through accessible price points, promotions, or bundles, we can make sure no one feels left out. Because when more of us can participate, our entire community wins.