AMHERST — In marking a decade in existence, the Black Business Association of Amherst Area is supporting existing and aspiring entrepreneurs through microgrant funds for the first time.
After organizing the town’s Juneteenth Jubilee as part of its 10-year anniversary, the business organization is accepting applications to support small businesses, with a Sept. 30 deadline.
Application forms and guidelines are at https://bbaaa.org/microgrant-fund-applications-2026/.
Pat Ononibaku, who serves as the board president, said that the organization began life in 2016 when local Black entrepreneurs came together to address racism and invisibility, promote resilience and make connections to capital, investments and growth.
“We are excited to be in a position to mark our persistence of a decade to provide cash assistance to businesses through this inaugural cycle of microgrant funds to support our members,” Ononibaku said.
Ononibaku added that the grant awards, which will range from $500 to $2,000, are coming despite continued concerns that the town denied access to American Rescue Plan Act money that instead became free cash.
For questions around technical support and language translation support services, Ononibaku can be reached at bbaamherst@gmail.com.
Campus Pantry success
The Campus Pantry at the University of Massachusetts has become an important part of the food security safety net, according to Pete Smith, vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life.
Smith told the Faculty Senate recently that since its opening in September 2025, 4,020 individuals and 2,447 households have used the pantry, with more than 27,538 visits.
In addition, more than 407,000 pounds of food, the equivalent of 339,000 meals, were distributed. In July, 1,564 individuals used the Campus Pantry.
Graduate students remain the heaviest users of the site, though 88% of respondents to a survey indicated the site is important.
Meanwhile, the Basic Needs Resource Center is expected to move sometime this semester into the same 472 North Pleasant St. building.
Marching Band performs
Amethyst Brook School recently welcomed members of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band for a community parade and school celebration.
As the school year began. students gathered on the school’s back basketball court and members of the marching band taught students a cheer before leading a parade around the school’s bus loop.
“The parade is our first experience when the whole school joins together to celebrate our
budding community,” said principal Allison Estes. “We show respect to our guests, the UMass Band, and cooperate to march in a parade together. Then we make a collective wish for a great school year.”
Anna Adcox, drum major for the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, said members love interacting with the community and leaving campus.
“It’s a great way to showcase what we like to do at UMass in the marching band and also give the kids something to look forward to,” Adcox said.
U.S. Democracy discussion
Philip Avila, assistant director of the town’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department, and intern Valentina Ayala-Bustamonte will discuss “U.S. Democracy – 250 Years in the Making,” during the Judy Brooks Conversation Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Sponsored by the Amherst League of Women Voters’ Racial Justice Committee, the talk will take people through the exhibit that was staged at Town Hall over the summer. The exhibit reflected challenges that have been faced by Blacks, Asians, Latinos, Native Americans, women, youth and people with disabilities and how equal rights, representation and social justice were sought.
Go to lwvamherst.org to attend.
Author talk
Local author and historian Amy Mittelman will discuss her book “Dames, Dishes, and Degrees: Faculty Wives in America” at the North Amherst Library, 8 Montague Road, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
The book uncovers the overlooked role faculty wives played in building American academic life. These highly educated women were often barred from university employment by anti-nepotism rules and gender discrimination, yet organized faculty wives clubs that hosted events, mentored newcomers, supported philanthropy and helped shape campus culture.
Jazz at Masuda’s
A monthly concert series begins at Masuda’s Cafe, 17 Kellogg Ave., Oct. 1 at 5 p.m.
Jazz at Masuda’s is hosted by saxophonist and composer Jason Robinson, the Joseph E. and Grace W. Valentine Professor of Music at Amherst College. The series will offer jazz students opportunities to participate by sitting in and giving the local community an opportunity to experience world class jazz.
The series is a partnership between Masuda’s Café and the college’s Music Department, Center for Community Engagement, and President’s Office, with support from the Amherst Business Improvement District and Cultural District.
Meetings
SATURDAY: Four Towns Meeting, 9 a.m., high school library.
MONDAY: Town Council, 6:30 p.m., Town Room, Town Hall.
TUESDAY: Cable Television Advisory Committee, 9:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAY: Budget Coordinating Group, 4 p.m.
