# Preds, Nashville Black Market Continue Exciting Partnership Into Juneteenth Celebrations

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/preds-nashville-black-market-continue-exciting-partnership-into-juneteenth-celebrations/
- Published: 2025-06-17T13:34:25-04:00
- Author: EAN

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What started as a simple idea just a few years ago has transformed into one of the
most productive partnerships in all of Music City.

The Nashville Predators and The Nashville Black Market (NBM) will continue that 
alliance on June 19 for a Juneteenth celebration that goes well beyond a typical
gathering in the community.

But that festival is just the latest in a long line of events that have seen the
two organizations combine forces for good – and the momentum has only just begun.

“Working with the Predators has been absolutely phenomenal,” The Nashville Black
Market’s Chief Operating Officer Darius McDonald said. “We believe that what makes
this partnership so special is that it’s not performative at all — it’s rooted in
authentic, ongoing support and shared values. From integrity and intentionality 
with which we make decisions, to the hearts of generosity we carry, to the ultimate
desire to build bridges of equity and opportunity for others, NBM and the Preds 
just ‘get’ each other.”

Co-founded by Javvon Jones and Carlos Partee, NBM is a Black-owned and Veteran-owned
organization created to support and develop Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs,
leaders and communities in Nashville and across the United States.

“Our mission is rooted in economic empowerment — to build spaces where Black entrepreneurship
can thrive, circulate dollars locally and foster lasting generational impact,” McDonald
said. “But beyond commerce, NBM is a movement. It’s a marketplace, a platform, and
a community built to celebrate culture, creativity and excellence. We curate events,
leadership development and internship programs, vendor education and partnerships
that help businesses scale and succeed. Every activation we host is an invitation
to the city to experience, support and invest in the economic engine that is Black
entrepreneurship.”

NBM has had plenty of fruitful relationships with different organizations, but very
few are considered “Legacy Partnerships,” according to McDonald.

But guess who falls into that category?

“We have found that [support] in the Preds,” McDonald said. “We exchange ideas and
strategy around making an impact in our respective industries, our local community
and so much more, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

In 2023 and 2024, the Preds and NBM teamed up to host a Black History Month Celebration
Spotlight, presented by Nissan, with Black-owned businesses on the concourse of 
Bridgestone Arena at every home Predators game in the month of February.

The Preds continued that support by sponsoring several of those businesses to join
the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce to provide access to life-changing networks
and resources.

Those initiatives have only grown in 2025, and recently, the Black Leadership Collective
was launched – an assist from the Preds to uplift Black leaders and expand the city’s
collaborative efforts.

“From behind-the-scenes conversations to public-facing collaborations, the Preds
have continued to lean in and build with us,” McDonald said. “We’ve been able to
dream bigger, reach more people and build stronger community infrastructure thanks
to relationships like this.”

Next up? The official Juneteenth615 celebration and firework display from 5-9:30
p.m. CT at Ft. Negley Park. NBM, which has provided food trucks and vendors for 
Nashville Predators plaza parties, Bridgestone Arena events and Juneteenth community
partnerships – including this year’s festivities – will see NBM host a Vendor Village
alongside the Predators ‘Preds & Pixels’ activation and co-branded cooling tent 
with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).

To experience the heart of The Nashville Black Market, attend their First Friday
Market held on the first Friday of each month at the Nashville Farmers’ Market from
6-10 p.m. CT. Join thousands of people to enjoy over 70 Black-owned vendors, live
music, and more. Follow @thenashvilleblackmarket on social media for more information,
and keep following the Preds for more on the partnership and the impact on Nashville
for the better.

“We want Nashville to know that The Nashville Black Market is more than an event—
it’s a mission,” McDonald said. “When you support us, you’re not just buying a product
or attending a monthly festival – you’re fueling economic transformation. Each year
we are privileged to report millions of dollars being brought into the city of Nashville’s
economy by way of Black-owned businesses on our platform alone… When you support,
you’re helping someone hire their first employee. You’re helping a founder go from
part-time hustle to full-time impact.”

**Written by: Brooks Bratten**