HUNTSVILLE, AL—For a little over a year now, members and volunteers of the All African People’s Development & Empowerment Project (AADPEP) have been working to build our first economic institution, Zenzele Consignment.
AAPDEP is an African led non-profit organization and part of the wider Uhuru Movement. Our mission is to “collectivize the vast skills of Africans around the world in order to establish community based development projects that improve the quality of life for African people everywhere while promoting self-reliance and self-determination as key to genuine, sustainable development.”
A Xhosa word meaning “to do for self,” Zenzele will open in Huntsville, Alabama with the goal of helping AAPDEP build the economic base necessary to improve and expand our agricultural, health care and educational programs in Africa, the US and (soon in) Europe.
Opening a consignment store makes sense, as the resale industry is one of the few recession proof segments of retailing. The appeal is twofold, consumers are attracted to buying quality merchandise at a fraction of the original cost and individuals can sell unused or unwanted items, creating resources for AAPDEP and the community.
More than just a store, Zenzele Consignment will serve as AAPDEP’s National Headquarters, a place where the community, our donors and supporters can connect with and contribute to our work.
The Zenzele Consignment organizing committee has been working hard to make our store a reality. In an effort to meet our original goal of raising the $25,000 needed to open by August of 2015, we organized auctions, fashion shows, home parties, community events and more.
However, there is more to do and much more money to raise before we can launch.
With guidance from the APSP’s Office of the Deputy Chair which provides leadership to our Movement’s many successful economic institutions including Black Star Industries, Uhuru Foods & Pies, Uhuru Furniture Stores and other initiatives, AAPDEP leadership and the Zenzele organizing committee are sharpening our fundraising, marketing and volunteer strategies to ensure our success.
In Huntsville, AAPDEP is working with local stylists, designers and a production company to organize fun and creative local fundraisers. We are connecting with schools, community organizations, fraternities, sororities, churches, mosques and student groups to win volunteers and raise funds. We will soon be launching a liberated diamond donation campaign, an aggressive social media fundraising campaign and will continue to promote our style and mission through our website and blog at zenzelconsignment.com.
Our new opening date is March 2016, and we are confident that with the support of our members, supporters and the entire Uhuru Movement, we will be successful!
How you can help!
- Donate today and choose Zenzele Consignment in the drop down menu.
- Host a fundraiser at your home, church, school or within your organization.
- Join the Zenzele Organizing Committee! Skills needed include fundraising, fashion blog writing, social media, marketing and promotions, photography, styling, outreach and more!
To host a fundraiser, join the committee or for more information, please contact us at info@zenzeleconsignment.com.
Visit our website at zenzeleconsignment.com.
