Fourteen local vendors now have a permanent home at Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative , which opens this Friday at 11 a.m. in the Sherman Phoenix Building, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave, Suite 103. 

The shop is an extension of of The Table, the ministry group headed by Venice Williams, who also runs Alice’s Garden. It will offer jewelry, soap, candles, wellness products, hot sauces, art therapy kits and more. The business will also go online in 2021.

Kujichagulia is the second of the seven principle of Kwanzaa and means "self determination" in Swahili. It "demands that African people define, defend and develop ourselves instead of allowing or encouraging others to do this." This concept mirrors Williams' mission in her life's work.

"My goal is to help people do what they love and bring their dreams and visions to fruition, whether it's in the form of gardening or business or whatever it may be," says Williams. "These vendors had a great summer at Alice's Garden, and we're thrilled to provide a long-term home in the Sherman Phoenix now that the season is over."

Located inside a former BMO Bank, the Sherman Phoenix houses myriad businesses primarily owned by people of color and many of which are family ventures. It opened in 2018.

Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative is open Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Social distancing and masks are required; forehead temperatures will be taken at the door. Private shopping experiences are also available on Tuesdays by appointment only. Call 414-553-7778 starting Friday, Nov. 20 to schedule.