Shanghai Black Businesses Holding a Fundraiser Event on Friday

By Ned Kelly, June 9, 2020

Anita Mbunwe is a self-described jack of all trades foreigner in Shanghai: First lady of funk, teacher, DJ, event organizer, bar fly, cat servant, guinea pig wrangler and best friend to her dog, the outstandingly-named Iggy Pup. She is also one of the organizers of a fundraising party celebrating black lives, art and culture on Friday evening, with proceeds going to an organization that provides bail assistance to those on the front-lines in cities across the US. We caught up with her to find out more.

How did the event come about?
I’m one of four organizers. The group of us watched the events surrounding and following the killing of George Floyd unfold back at home (in the States) with a mixture of anger, disappointment and helplessness. So we decided to try to do something to help raise the profile of black businesses in Shanghai, while raising a meaningful amount of funds to support those who are still at home fighting against racial injustice. We settled on the Bail Project because, unlike most other organizations, they aid people in several areas around the country. The event itself came together within a matter of hours really.

Nikki of Suga’hai

What can people expect?
For this, I’ll turn it over to the vendors who are really the nuts and bolts of this event...

Nikki of Suga’hai: Simple delicious cheesy American style snowball stand nachos – the perfect party food you can enjoy anytime of the day. Live a little bit meaux with our Cajun blackened chicken or shrimp add on. And of course, we’ll have something sweet for the ‘Hai!

Jai of Conscious Freakz Inc: Peace, love and passion. I’ve always considered myself to be a modern renaissance soul engineer, an ARTrepreneur and ARTivist, and those roles are embodied in my work. My art lifestyle brand Conscious Freaks Inc. serves as a creative manifesto for conscious, cultural & diverse communities worldwide. One can expect original and custom CFI creations, ranging from published literary works (fiction, poetry, inspirational essays, etc.) to visual artworks (paintings, design, mixed media, etc.).

Khay of RiverRoots: A lot of love, smiles, hugs, great vibes and handmade organic body and home essential products.

Khay of RiverRoots

Anything you are particularly excited for at the event?
Khay of RiverRoots: Seeing the Shanghai community come together for an amazing cause, and of course The Spirit of Ubuntu (South African Xhosa proverb: I am, because you are).

Nikki of Suga’hai: I’m excited to feel the energy of everyone together for a common purpose.

Jai of Conscious Freakz Inc: Simply, the spirit of Ubuntu, a South African philosophy that emphasizes 'being self through others’ – humanity and compassion). For me there is nothing more empowering, inspiring and healing than a respectfully, diverse gathering of like-minded artists, musicians, writers, performers, entrepreneurs and advocates of the ‘creatives’ community. Especially events where we can simultaneously celebrate the Arts while bringing awareness for an essential cause.

Jai of Conscious Freakz Inc

How close knit is the black business community in Shanghai?
Jai of Conscious Freakz Inc: Ineffably close. The best example that I can give is rooted even from my participation in this current fundraiser organized by Ms. Anita. She reached out and without hesitation, I committed to contributing to her vision, not simply for my own benefit but for the support, awareness and solidarity of black businesses and creatives as a whole; and every event that I am a part of I manifest an intention to pay that support and outreach forward to the next black business/creative.

Nikki of Suga’hai: I would say extremely close; we collaborate together quite often and refer each other as well. But I can also say this for the entire expat entrepreneur community.

Khay of RiverRoots: 'Family' – that's how close knit we are. Always ready to recommend, give positive feedback, post, attend events, sponsor and purchase from one another.

What is The Bail Project?
The Bail Project is a non-profit organization that pays bail for people who end up arrested and caught in the racially and economically unjust bail system across America. Right now that mostly means folks out on the streets protesting systemic racism, and as such they are dedicating all of their efforts to making these people their priority. All of the proceeds from the door, raffle ticket sales and a portion of vendor sales will go to this organization.

Any other events planned?
Not for us, but I know that there are other events being planned by members of the local black community within the coming weeks. Please go out and support people such as For the Culture, The Liaison Events and Black Expo.