PHOTO ESSAY: Central District’s ‘The Liink Project’ Features Local Black Businesses and Artists

by Ronnie Estoque

On Saturday, Sept. 18, The Liink Project, a co-op retail space in the Central District, hosted a pop-up market featuring local Black entrepreneurs and artists. The event featured lively music, Black art, and goods for purchase.

The venue, on Union Street and 20th Avenue, opened this past summer and features retail space Mondays through Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The space will continue to be used for markets, gallery shows, and other events at other times. Stephanie Morales, one of the co-founders of The Liink Project, hopes the space will be a place where local Black businesses can grow and find community in a neighborhood that has rapidly gentrified. Formed by community grassroot efforts, The Liink Project is continuing to accept donations.

Stephanie Morales, a cofounder of The Liink Project, speaks with event attendees about the space. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Seeds & Steeze sold a wide variety of potted plants during the event. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Eva Hutchins, founder of In Her Threads, speaks to event attendees about her products which are sourced from Thailand. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Several plants from Seeds & Steeze propped on a wooden chair. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Undefined Clothing founder Dyesha stands by their vendor table that features the latest drops from their brand. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Event attendees check out shirts from Undefined Clothing. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Event attendees were able to purchase crystals and precious stones from Nefertiti Holistic’s. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Stephanie Morales, a cofounder of The Liink Project, stands outside of her building space located at 2002 E Union St. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Stephanie Morales also sold some of her artwork during the event. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

Ronnie Estoque is a South Seattle-based freelance photographer and videographer. You can keep up with his work by checking out his website.

📸 Featured Image: Stephanie Morales, a cofounder of The Liink Project, stands outside of her building space located at 2002 E Union St. (Photo: Ronnie Estoque)

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