Correspondent photo / Sean Barron Stacey Spearman of Boardman, who plans to start her own business selling mainly crocheted items, talks to a potential customer during Saturday’s African Marketplace gathering at Youngstown State University. It was part of Black History Month.

YOUNGSTOWN — If you’re interested in Christine Thomas’ jewelry and other merchandise, she would probably prefer you buy rather than stealthily photograph it.

“A friend did it, so my cousin and I began, and she branched out, but we work together,” Thomas said, referring to her cousin, Rhonda Clark.

Rather than branching out, however, Thomas, who runs a business called Paparazzi Jewelry, and Clark worked collaboratively to sell a large array of colorful and shiny rings, bracelets, clip-on earrings, hair berets, multi-colored rhinestones and broaches.

The two of them were among the six or seven local and regional vendors who set up shop for the annual African Marketplace gathering Saturday morning and afternoon in Youngstown State University’s James A. McKay Auditorium in Beeghly Hall.

The marketplace celebration was moved from the Chestnut Room in YSU’s Kilcawley Center because that building closed May 5 and is undergoing extensive renovations. The facility is expected to fully reopen in fall 2027.

The six-hour event was part of the university’s celebration of Black History Month. Also on hand were several student organizations such as the Black Student Union and the African and Caribbean Student Union, along with a few fraternities and sororities.

In addition, despite frigid morning temperatures, a steady crowd came to celebrate the occasion, which also included plenty of entertainment.

Thomas launched the Youngstown-based business about six years ago in which she largely buys merchandise from various companies and consultants before selling it. In addition to being a bit eye-catching, perhaps one set of her earrings also describes how Thomas feels about her line of work, because the long, stringy earrings spell the word “love.”

This year marks the 100th anniversary of when historian, journalist and scholar Carter G. Woodson launched “Negro History Week” in February 1926. In addition, 2026 is the 50th anniversary of when President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month during the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, Patrick Spearman, director of YSU’s Africana Studies Program, noted.

It’s vital that Black History Month is viewed through a wider lens of interconnectivity, and is an opportunity for students and others to look at and better understand U.S. history through a more holistic series of shared experiences, perspectives and periods of time related to the country’s movement through historic times, said Spearman, who also is an associate professor of teacher education and leadership studies.

“After all, African American history is American history,” he added.

Captivating the afternoon highlights for many was the series of colorful and rhythmical African dances, courtesy of Harambee of Youngstown Inc. as well as the Junior Harambee dancers. Also part of the performances was the Harambee Drum and Dance Ensemble of Youngstown.

Other items that were being sold Saturday included colorful tote bags, purses, handbags, wigs, stocking caps, clothing, African flags, T-shirts and a variety of soaps and cream products.

On one of the tables also was a soft series of crocheted items that were covered with Stacey Spearman’s creative touches and symbolic fingerprints.

“I began crocheting for my daughter (Morgan, 21) and decided I would never again make the same thing,” Spearman said in describing the underlying reason for naming the business she’s trying to launch “Nvr Agn.”

“I love making socks, and I love making ruffled hats,” she said.

She might never duplicate a given item’s color patterns, precise texture or size, but suffice it to say that won’t be true of her reliance largely on acrylic and fluffy yarn — not to mention the love and passion she puts into the effort.

Spearman, who also is Patrick Spearman’s wife, began crocheting in earnest a few years ago, though it’s been a longtime pursuit. In addition to fulfilling an artistic flair, the hobby also is a form of self-care, since it allows her extra time to relax and unwind, Spearman said.

Saturday’s African Marketplace gave Spearman a good opportunity to “test the waters” regarding getting her business off the ground, she said.

Patrick Spearman announced that a Black History Month documentary and discussion, “The Lives of Toni Morrison,” is set for 2:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in McKay Auditorium. Leading the event will be Dolores Sisco, a YSU English professor.