Project Oya
Celebrating and uplifting street vendors when they need us most.
Street Vendor Appreciation Month
From October 16 through November 16, Project Oya transforms restaurants across the city into hubs of support for our beloved street vendors. At a time when many are hesitant to sell in public due to heightened enforcement and fear, this initiative opens new doors — allowing vendors to offer their goods safely inside participating restaurants, while keeping 100% of their profit.
This isn’t just about sales — it’s about community. It’s about honoring the creativity, hustle, and legacy of street vendors who have fed neighborhoods for generations. With your help, we’re creating a model that brings restaurants and vendors together in solidarity and growth.
🧡 As a vendor, your products will be featured in-store at The Black Vegan Restaurant and online at www.shopblackvegan.com — reaching new customers, gaining visibility, and earning direct support from the community.
Together, we’re showing what’s possible when community shows up for community.
How Project Oya Was Born
Project Oya was born out of real conversations with vendors in our community — talented, hardworking individuals who were afraid to bring their goods to the streets due to increased ICE raids and heightened enforcement. Many of these vendors are the backbone of neighborhood food culture, yet their livelihoods are constantly at risk.
During the fall of 2025, The Black Vegan Restaurant began exploring ways to support these vendors beyond words. We asked a simple question: “What if restaurants opened their doors to street vendors — not as charity, but as partners?” This idea sparked a movement.
In collaboration with our nonprofit Entrepreneurship for Everyone (E for Everyone), and with support from community members, activists, and local businesses, Project Oya was officially created. Named after Oya — the Yoruba Orisha of change, storms, and transformation — this initiative represents both protection and forward movement in the face of fear.
Through Project Oya, we’re building a safe, sustainable, and inspiring bridge between street vendors and established restaurants — not just for one month, but as the foundation for long-term relationships, opportunity, and visibility.
Vendor Participation Guidelines
- All products must be 100% vegan.
- You may submit up to 2 products at a time, each valued at $150 or less.
- Include product name, price, description, and a full ingredient list for each item.
- Products must be dropped off at 2300 S. Kedzie Ave for inventory check-in and approval.
- Once received, your products will be available for sale the next day in-store and online.
- Promote your products on social media using @theblackveganchi and #sparkleonpurpose.
Sign Up Now
Fill out the form below to join Project Oya. Once submitted, our team will follow up with your next steps.
