Mama Africa’s Marketplace, a South Shore business known for supporting Black-owned vendors and hosting community events, is at risk of closing as the building it occupies is in the process of being sold. The founder, Lakeisha Ifarinu Williams—known as “Mama Africa”—said the shop may close permanently on Friday if the sale goes through.
The building at 2100 E. 71st St. is being considered for purchase by Leave No Veteran Behind, a nonprofit that offers job training and debt relief to military veterans. Eli Williamson, co-founder of Leave No Veteran Behind, confirmed that while the sale has not yet closed, their intention is to move their headquarters from Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus to this location.
Williams said Mama Africa’s Marketplace has provided employment for more than 60 young people and housed about 50 vendors during its operation. The space has also hosted peace circles, spiritual gatherings, and meetings for organizations such as Chicago Birthworks Collective and Ujimaa Medics.
“During that time we have employed over 60 young people and housed roughly 50 vendors,” Williams said. “We have done a ton of work here in South Shore.”
To prevent closure, Williams started a fundraiser which had raised over $29,000 by Thursday. She has also sought investments from her network in hopes of purchasing the property herself. According to an update on her GoFundMe page this week, she is exploring other locations but still hopes to secure her current space.
If successful in buying the building, Williams said she would partner with Underground Bookstore owner Yoel Ahmechshadye—who offered $250,000 in pre-approved credit—and a naturopathic practitioner to share the space.
With Friday set as a deadline for Mama Africa’s Marketplace to vacate or take over ownership of the property, Williams acknowledged that securing enough funding remains unlikely but expressed hope: “I was grateful for any extension I was given,” she said. “Right now, it’s not looking like we have a firm enough offer to stay [permanently], but I’m still keeping faith and hope.”
Eli Williamson stated that Leave No Veteran Behind sees purchasing the building as an important investment in South Shore: “The building purchase would be ‘a major investment for us in the South Shore community and we look forward to that investment,’” he said.
Williamson noted that necessary repairs are required before his organization can move into the space: “This is not just an issue of just her as a tenant, but no tenant [could remain in the building during] the type of work that needs to be done,” he explained.
He added: “My hope is that it’s articulated we made a good faith effort to make sure she has the support that she’s needed to make [a] transition… Our hope is, in the future, [Leave No Veterans Behind] is able to provide an opportunity for this building to be used for a community space.”
While Williamson did not commit to allowing Mama Africa’s Marketplace back into the renovated property after construction concludes—saying it depends on future community input—the nonprofit intends part of its new headquarters will host wellness-focused tenants.
Williams told Block Club Chicago that alternative spaces suggested by local business leaders were smaller and significantly more expensive than her current subsidized rent location. Despite uncertainty around whether Mama Africa’s Marketplace can survive beyond this week if forced out during renovations or unable to purchase outright herself—Williams expressed gratitude toward those who have supported her efforts so far.
