Currently celebrating our 48th year of operation, The Berkley Flea Market began in the 1970’s as an unofficial gathering of artists and activists striving to foster community between people of all walks of life and provide opportunities for otherwise marginalized people to engage and thrive in business in a supportive environment.
In the beginning, they were harassed and some were incarcerated for trying to carve out an independent thriving existence until 1973 a court of law awarded Non-Profit Community Services United the right to officially establish The Berkeley Flea Market on the Ashby Bart Lot.
The individuals who created this space united by sharing their culture, their creativity and passions, and will to persevere and thrive, despite existing circumstances and developing challenges. Immigrants, refugees, minorities and women count themselves amongst the aspiring small business owners and creative contributors of the Berkeley Flea Market.
Our Vendors
Our vendors are a diverse community of members who are Black, Latina/o/x, Native/Indigenous American, South and Central American, Mexican, Himalayan, Asian, Jamaican, and from many other communities and locales. They make art and import goods from all over the world, right here to Berkeley.
Vendor Directory
Our Team
Charles Gary
Board President
Artrenia Harris
Board Member and Vendor
Rosine Boussini
Board Member and Vendor
Shaka Camara
Board Member and Vendor
Ellen Manu-Bimpeh
Board Member and Vendor
Kaylah Marin
Board Member
Yasin Khan
General Manager and Board Member
Our History
Adeline Street used to be a hub of Black economy and life in Berkeley. The city claimed it as part of its “eminent domain” plans in the 1970s to make room for BART. The neighborhood was largely demolished, which meant Black businesses and residents were displaced. One response was to set up shop in BART’s parking lot as trains didn’t used to run on weekends. Learn more at KQED
One of our current vendors, Magi, has been at the Berkeley Flea Market almost since the beginning. He says that in 1983, BART tried to evict the Berkeley Flea Market. Magi hired lawyer Don Jellinek, helped stage protests with other vendors and community members, and hand painted protest signs to stop the eviction.
Magi in 2021.
