Encinitas 4 Equality begins second phase of Community Space and Black Collective initiative

Encinitas 4 Equality, a grassroots organization aiming to work in allyship with the BIPOC community in North County, announced recently that it has successfully completed phase one for its Community Space and Black Collective initiative at 414 North Coast Highway, fulfilling its lease set to end Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. The first phase was undertaken to diversify the 101 business sector and address the lack of Black brick and mortar businesses in Encinitas and neighboring North County towns, by providing a rent-free co-op for Black vendors, artists and creators to sell their products. The community impact of the initiative introduced Encinitas’ first Black retail space including over 25 Black local vendors and a series of wellness, shop small business and community activists events.

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“Our goal with phase one of E4E’s retail operations was to raise enough funds to fulfill our three-month lease agreement. We are incredibly proud of and grateful for our community, long-term business partners, volunteers, and vendors who worked with us to make this possible and extremely pleased that we are able to transition into phase two in 2021.” said Felicia Rawlins, co-founder of Encinitas 4 Equality. “We are currently seeking a new location and have every intention to continue our mission and realize our goals of highlighting the talents, passions and gifts of the BIPOC community throughout North County.”

As part of the phase two process for the Community Space and Black Collective initiative, Encinitas 4 Equality will relocate the retail space (new location to be announced at a later date) while continuing its online store at www.encinitas4equality.org and hosting a series of virtual experiences and workshops centered around allyship, housing, equity in education, public safety, youth and fundraising; in-person events and experiences will be hosted on-site at the new location.

Collective Shop hours of operation at 414 North Coast Highway are Tuesday-Thursday,Saturday, Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; doors close permanently Sunday, Dec. 20. Online orders will continue to be fulfilled through Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2021 or while supplies last.

For more information, visit encinitas4equality.org or on Instagram, Facebook. — News release