Mo’ Betta Green celebrates 13th marketplace in Five Points
DENVER — Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood is known as the “Harlem of the West,” which is why Beverly Grant, the founder of Mo' Betta Green Marketplace, chose the neighborhood as the place to celebrate her 13th marketplace event.
Mo' Betta Green Marketplace is a Black-owned farmers market that provides low-cost food and accessible wellness events. Throughout the year, Mo' Betta Green hosts exercise and dance classes like yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba, all for free. People can also use their SNAP benefits to purchase fresh produce from Mo' Betta Green Marketplace gardens.
"When you plan for those with the least, you plan for all," Grant said.
Grant explained that Mo' Betta Green Marketplace’s "secret sauce" is that they welcome everyone, no matter the customer’s circumstances.
At this year's marketplace, visitors could view live music and dance from local artists and buy rock crystals, jewelry, fresh produce, and hot, homemade soul food.
Among the visitors enjoying the evening was Golden Ellis. She said she learned about the marketplace from a friend. Ellis said Mo' Betta is a staple in the community.
"And especially being in Five Points, it's especially needed. You see a city, you know, that was grown off of BIPOC and Black history. In this moment, you see a lot of gentrification around. So, to bring the community back and have it be centered on wellness and thriving, and children and nourishment, is everything we need," said Ellis.
Grant said Five Points represents Black culture, excellence, and history. Grant said she expresses her own Black excellence through her family. She explained that she is exceedingly proud of her son, Bryce King, who she has been training to continue the legacy of Mo' Betta Green Marketplace.
"He's sun rising as I sunset. I'll still be around and be involved, but I feel like that is a blessing because so many minority businesses aren't able to have that legacy planning part to their existence," said Grant.
Grant's other son, Reese Grant-Cobb, passed away at 17 years old. Then-Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock honored Grant-Cobb last year when he proclaimed July 20 as "Random Gestures of Compassion Day."
Grant strongly emphasized that the act of love is essential to Mo' Betta Green Marketplace’s mission.
"It's foundational to our approach to what we do, how we do it, why we do it," Grant said. "Love of community and love of wanting people to know they have the power to improve their health and change their life. And it's just one sip, one bite at a time one step at a time."
Lindsey Ford is a multimedia journalist at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach Lindsey at lindseyford@rmpbs.org.