Celebrating London’s finest black-owned businesses, 21 Youth Street is a pop-up created by My Runway Group, an award-winning youth empowerment organisation dedicated to inspiring and developing young black creatives
Open now at 56B Carnaby Street, and to coincide with Black History Month, 21 Youth Street showcases over 50 diverse black owned businesses and provides a platform for them to showcase their brands in an exciting environment themed #BlackInCarnaby.
Discover a collection of outstanding creatives in fashion, beauty, art, literature, film and photography and expect to see a variation of top talent.
Fashion is high on the agenda. Tinie Tempah’s label ‘What We Wear’ are available to buy, pieces include T-shirts, hoodies and hats. Other exciting designers include K Mabel and Nubian Wear who are selling clothing and accessories for women. Price points range from £15 - £125. The Black Beauty Store offers a variety of beauty treatments from pedicures to make up sessions alongside a variety of beauty products priced £7 - £70.
The Black Book Store has a showcase of books by black authors who currently have no store presence. Expect in-store signings from amazing young authors like Jeremiah Emmanuel who is signed to Stormzy’s Imprint Merky Books. Other activities include talks and gaming. Loving My Black Self will run a series of identity Talks with Nubian Skin. Black and influential gamers will run tournaments throughout the pop up residency and will hold discussions about Mental Health In the Gaming Industry.
Artists including Koby Martin and Sarah Owusu will curate exhibitions in the pop up. Themes will cover ‘Why Black Lives Matter’, ‘The Black Struggle’ and ‘Black Art Matter’. Visitors can see the ‘Black Luxury Home Art’ installation by Yinka ILori. Health and wellbeing is also a topic covered. Morning yoga sessions with ‘Into The Light’ in the pop up are free.
My Runway Group is on a mission to shape the next generation of creatives and is deeply rooted in the stand against inequality. They are fueled by the goal to provide emerging black talent a runway to build successful careers despite the challenges that exist.
My Runway Group Founder and creator Kojo Marfo says: “It’s tough for young entrepreneurs to have a presence in any high street store. It’s twice as hard when you’re black. This is why practical solutions are needed to give equal access and opportunities for young black entrepreneurs from under- represented backgrounds. 21 Youth Street is more than a pop up store, it is a conscious collective effort to make our high streets represent modern day Britain and I’m glad Carnaby is leading this course”.
Opening times:
Mon – Sat 10am-7pm and Sundays 9am – 8pm.
For all schedules visit www.myrunwaygroup.com / @myrunwaygroup / #BlackInCarnaby