Kalamazoo Cookie Exchange to celebrate Women’s History Month and support Black women-owned businesses

Community members will gather March 28 at Urban Exposure Garden for the Kalamazoo Cookie Exchange, a Women’s History Month event celebrating baking, neighborhood connection and three Black women-owned local businesses.

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

KALAMAZOO, MI — Community members will have a chance to share homemade treats and connect with neighbors later this month during the Kalamazoo Cookie Exchange, a community gathering celebrating baking and local women-owned businesses.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Urban Exposure Garden, 1024 Lake St., and is being held during Women’s History Month. Organizers say the exchange is intended to highlight three Black women–owned businesses while bringing residents together around food and conversation.

Inspired by the popular cake picnic events held in cities such as San Francisco and New York City, the Kalamazoo gathering invites participants to bring baked goods to share in a relaxed, community-focused setting. Attendees can register in advance through a QR code on the event flyer, which links to a sign-up form where participants can join as either cookie bakers or cookie tasters.

During the event, guests will receive a pizza box to fill with treats from the exchange and can vote on their favorites throughout the afternoon. Organizers encourage contributions that accommodate dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options, though all types of baked goods are welcome.

Photo: Denisse Leon, UnSplash

In addition to the cookie exchange, the gathering aims to spotlight local entrepreneurship. Featured businesses include A Black Artist’s Path, Fortunate Fourth Creations, and Urban Exposure.

Organizers say they hope the event will become a new local tradition, bringing residents together through shared food while strengthening community connections in the Edison neighborhood.

The Kalamazoo Cookie Exchange is open to all community members interested in baking, meeting new people, or supporting local initiatives. Whether an experienced baker or simply a fan of sweets, attendees are invited to stop by for what organizers describe as an afternoon of conversation, creativity, and community — rain or shine. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance to secure a spot. Questions about the event can be sent to info@ablackartistspath.com. To register, go to this LINK.

Author

Maya Sophia Ananda James is a social practice artist, journalist, and advocate. From her early days as a youth correspondent to her recent accolades, including the Vanguard Award in ArtPrize 2023, Maya's journey is a unique testament to the power of art for social change. As the new Social Practice Correspondent for Southwest Michigan's Second Wave, she continues to ignite change through storytelling, inspiring others to join her in using art as a platform to achieve a better future.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.