FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media contact: Elizabeth Startz, Fund Development Manager, estartz@trcwabash.org, (773) 924-9270 ext. 104
Holiday Marketplace Brings Black-Owned Businesses to Historic Former Wabash YMCA on December 12
Free event in Bronzeville features one-of-a-kind gifts and food in the building where Carter G. Woodson founded the organization behind what became Black History Month
CHICAGO, November 5, 2026 — The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) will host a holiday edition of its Community Marketplace on Saturday, December 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic former Wabash YMCA, 3763 S. Wabash Ave., in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. Admission is free.
The September marketplace brought together 23 vendors, most of them Black-owned small businesses. December's lineup is still growing, with new vendors joining to offer an even wider range of gifts, food, and goods. From 1 to 2 p.m., Dreezy Claus will be on hand for pictures with Santa, $5 per family.
The setting is part of the draw. In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now ASALH, at the Wabash YMCA. The organization launched Negro History Week in 1926, which later grew into Black History Month.
Guests interested in that history can explore the building's newly installed history exhibits while they're at the market. The exhibits are funded by a grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
December 12 is the second event in TRC's quarterly Community Marketplace series, which launched on September 12. The series brings neighbors, local businesses, and visitors together in the building as TRC works to bring new life to the space.
Among the returning vendors is The Chef & The Baker, a husband-and-wife Chicago catering company born from a Match.com love story. Chef Jason brings the savory and Erica brings the sweet, and together they serve “Comfort Food with a Twist”: familiar favorites with an unexpected spin.
“What really stands out to me is what this space meant to the community. It was a place where people found support, created opportunities, and built a better future. I think it’s important that we preserve these stories and keep the legacy alive,” said Erica. “Being part of this chapter and bringing people together through food is really special to us. It’s a reminder of how much more we can achieve when we come together and support each other. We’re excited to be back December 12th!”
Event details
What: TRC Community Marketplace: Holiday Edition
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: The historic former Wabash YMCA, 3763 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Cost: Free admission; pictures with Dreezy Claus, 1–2 p.m., $5 per family
More information: www.TRCWabash.org/marketplace
About The Renaissance Collaborative The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) is a Bronzeville nonprofit based in the historic former Wabash YMCA. Founded in 1992 by four Black-led churches to preserve the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, TRC has operated the landmark since 2000 as a supportive housing community — home to 101 residents in the Renaissance Apartments — and more recently, as a steward of African American cultural heritage. TRC’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency through an innovative and comprehensive network of supportive housing, employment, and educational services.
