A local father-daughter team is bringing a new celebration to Albany in honor of Juneteenth. Mariah Carter works at Motor Oil Coffee and is organizing the café’s first-ever Juneteenth pop-up market. This free event highlights Black-owned businesses, local artists, and community connections.

Set to take place the Saturday after Juneteenth, the event offers free vendor space and features five local Black-owned businesses. Guests can also participate in a silent auction, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting The Red Bookshelf, a nonprofit organization that restores and distributes books to children across the Capital Region.

“I wanted to give our community a space to be seen, heard, and celebrated,” said Mariah. “We have amazing vendors coming out, and I’m so proud to create something meaningful.”

Her father, Jermaine Carter—CEO of Motor Oil Coffee—says he was entirely on board when Mariah first shared the idea with him. 

“I told her we need to do more with the space, and she took it and ran,” he said. “This is about strengthening the community bonds here in Albany.”

The event also features appearances from local organizations, such as the Albany Rock Project and Coach Bree, who is volunteering her time. For those unable to attend, the team is accepting book donations on-site to benefit The Red Bookshelf.

Organizers hope the pop-up becomes an annual tradition, growing in size and impact each year.

Event Info:

• Event Date: Saturday, June 21
• Location: Motor Oil Coffee,136 State St, Albany, NY 12207
• Silent Auction: Proceeds to benefit The Red Bookshelf