BALTIMORE — STEM City USA (www.stemcityusa.com), the premier hub for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation, is pleased to announce the launch of its virtual event platform for The AFRO’s 3rd Annual Black Business Matters EXPO to be held on April 27, 2023, at 4:00 PM EST.

The virtual event platform will be hosted on the STEM City USA Metaverse, featuring live and pre-recorded seminars from the Linda Gooden Building’s auditorium and incorporating content from The AFRO in the lobby.

“We’re excited to provide an innovative and engaging platform to facilitate a virtual conference accessible to a global audience,” said STEM City USA CEO, Tyrone Taborn. “Our virtual platform will allow attendees to experience the expo in a new way, with interactive features that promote engagement and collaboration.”

The Black Business Matters EXPO is an annual event that brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss issues affecting the Black community. This year’s expo will focus on the theme “Closing the Divide: Work. Wages. Wealth.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with STEM City USA to bring our expo to a wider audience,” said Dr. Frances Draper, CEO and Publisher of The AFRO. “This virtual platform will allow us to reach attendees who may not have been able to attend in person, and we’re excited to see the innovative ways in which STEM City USA will enhance the expo experience.”

The virtual event platform will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the STEM City USA Metaverse, a virtual world where they can interact with other attendees and participate in STEM-themed activities.

The Black Business Matters EXPO will take place on the STEM City USA Metaverse on April 27, 2023, after a live welcome at 4:00 PM EST. The welcome will be given by Dr. Frances Draper, CEO/Publisher of The AFRO, along with special guests including Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore, Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of Maryland, and Dawn Moore, First Lady of Maryland. Attendees registered on afrotix.live – The AFRO ticketing platform. Catch the replay here!

About STEM City USA STEM City USA is a hub for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation. It is home to a diverse community of startups, businesses, and academic institutions focused on advancing STEM education, research, and entrepreneurship. STEM City USA is committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable future by providing opportunities and resources for underrepresented communities to pursue careers in STEM. For more information, visit stemcityusa.com.

About The AFRO The AFRO is a leading source of news and information for the African American community. Founded in 1892, the newspaper has a long history of providing in-depth coverage of issues affecting the Black community, including civil rights, social justice, and economic empowerment. For more information, visit afro.com.