An artist painting a FAMU-inspired mural during Market Monday (Alaiya Saulsby / FAMUAN)
Market Monday kicked off the school week at Florida A&M, bringing students, visitors and entrepreneurs together for a day of shopping, music, food and community.
The event marked the start of FAMU’s Homecoming Week celebrations, allowing attendees to explore vendors, discover new products and support Black-owned businesses all while enjoying the energy building across campus.
For FAMU alumnus Jalen Henderson, Market Monday holds a special place in his entrepreneurial journey. Henderson, who owns the brand is SOL1D Clothing, said the event was among the first major pop-ups he participated in as he began building his business.
“When I first started my brand, this was like the first big pop-up that I did, and I dropped a collection, and I, like, almost sold out of everything,” Henderson said. “So that was a really good moment for me. I’ll remember that for my whole life.”
Henderson began making clothing in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually grew his business into a clothing brand with a retail location in Atlanta.
Even after that growth, he said returning to Market Monday allows him to reconnect with the community where his business began.
“I always make it a moment to come back to Market Monday,” Henderson said. “You know, go back to my roots, and it’s fun out here. I love FAMU, love my school. I love the folks here.”
The market also allowed vendors to connect with customers and introduce their businesses to the FAMU community. Trenton Lavell, founder of the clothing brand Lavell, said that supporting Black-owned businesses comes back to the importance of community.
“I believe the biggest thing is community. And if we can foster community, we’re there,” Trent said.
For students, Market Monday also offered a chance to enjoy the atmosphere as the campus prepared for Homecoming.
Ariana Williams, a second-year cybersecurity scholar from Atlanta, Georgia, arrived early while vendors were still setting up.
Williams said she enjoyed the event’s offerings, particularly the food and lively atmosphere.
“My favorite part is [the] lemonade and the music,” Williams said.
She also expressed excitement about seeing everyone socializing and getting excited about the upcoming week.
“I’m just so happy, like, the campus is live and happy, ready for Homecoming,” Williams said.
With music, shopping and a strong sense of community, Market Monday gave vendors and students a chance to connect as excitement for FAMU’s Homecoming celebrations continues to build.