Daptoberfest: A celebration of Black-owned businesses – Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Daptoberfest, an “Afrocentric and unapologetic” celebration of Black businesses, is taking over Arsenal Technical High School on Saturday.

The festival’s theme this year is “Homecoming,” and runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will feature a variety of vendors, including RMY’s Soul & Comfort Food, a food truck owned by Yolanda Johnson.

Johnson joined News 8 at Daybreak, saying Daptoberfest offers a platform for black-owned businesses to showcase their products, ranging from food to clothing, and aims to foster community growth and support.

It is a free festival, so people can explore the diverse offerings and enjoy live music at no cost.

“It’s an opportunity for many black-owned vendors to showcase their products,” Johnson said. “Working together, the same common purpose, to get our name out there, to get publicity, and to gain new customers.”

Johnson’s journey into the food truck business began three and a half years ago, inspired by her parents’ legacy with RMY’s Restaurant, which they opened in 1986.

“The name comes from (our names): My father’s name is Ronnie, my mother’s name is Maggie, and then I’m Yolanda.”

Johnson’s food truck, RMY’s Soul & Comfort Food, continues this legacy by offering soul food dishes such as fried chicken wings, honey butter cornbread, mac and cheese, and candied yams. 

 Johnson says she is excited about participating in Daptoberfest for the first time. 

 “You’ll be able to find everything there, including food, clothes, everything that you can think of by black-owned businesses. Gives us a chance to have a greater platform. I’m really excited, happy to be there,” Johnson said.

She says the festival also highlights the importance of supporting black-owned businesses and building a stronger community. 

“Working together, the same common purpose, to get our name out there, to get publicity, and to gain new customers, new followers, and things of that sort,” Johnson said.

The Daptoberfest website can be found here. It describes the festival as “an event designed to highlight Black-owned businesses and give platforms to those who may not have the benefit of a brick-and-mortar establishment, website, or supply chain operation.

“It also offers Black business owners a venue to network with other business owners and connect with the local community who will not only patronize, but support them beyond the day of the event.”