By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
For the last four years the AFRO hosted the Black Business Matters Expo, highlighting national and local organizations while also providing attendees with business savvy tips, resources and expertise.
On Thursday, May 30, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. EST, AFRO friends and family joined Maryland’s oldest Black-owned business for an evening of enriching insight and must-have business knowledge. Catch the replay here!
AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze spoke on the importance of Black business owners working together to close the racial wealth gap.
“Other cultures have done a better job than we have in keeping and circulating their dollars within their communities. When it comes down to it, we’re all we have,” said Howze. “If we don’t support us, we can’t rely on other communities to do so. We have to create generational wealth to build a solid foundation for our families and community.”
This year’s event is focused on celebrating and uplifting small Black owned businesses and all that they bring to our communities. Along with celebrating small Black-owned businesses, a series of speakers and one-on-one interviews will be happening with industry experts and emerging entrepreneurs.
“Since its inception in 2020, it’s always been our goal to have the Black Business Matters Expo be a platform to uplift, educate, and encourage Black businesses,” explained Howze. “With May being national ‘Small Business Month,’ we thought it was fitting to specifically focus on Small Black-owned businesses who have their own unique set of challenges.
Several community leaders are scheduled to speak during the event including Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Special Secretary of Small, Minority and Women Business Affairs Yolanda Maria Martinez along with a variety of notable Black business figures.
In addition to this guests, can expect to be dazzled by musical performances from Elyscia, a contestant from season 25 of NBC’s singing competition, “The Voice ” and the Morgan State University Choir.
The event is taking place online, and the 131 year old publication is bringing the expo to viewers all across the world using the groundbreaking platform, STEM City. Virtual attendees can anticipate in-depth workshops and interactive activities that are designed to help business owners further their knowledge and network of resources.
“Just as in previous years, we will offer a host of virtual workshops and sessions to help Black-owned businesses and those looking to start a business, grow and thrive. Some of the session topics include: 3rd Eye View: Removing The Blinders In Business; Championing Black Business Growth & Empowerment and The Need to Create A Pipeline for Black Executive Leadership & Opportunities.”
The AFRO is proud to present this event to you with the support of the following sponsors: JPMorgan Chase; United Bank; TEDCO; United Way of Central Maryland; Giant; Security Plus Federal Credit Union; PNC Bank and Live Casino and Hotel.
Tickets for this event are available for free online at AFROtix.live.