For the 20th year, the Los Angeles Black Business Expo (BBX) will take over the Los Angeles Convention Center from Noon til 8 p.m. Eric J. Chambers produced this video that tells the story in a nutshell. (Click Image Below to Play)
BBX To Commemorate 20th Anniversary
The economic downturn will not stop the Black Business Expo (BBX) from showcasing African American businesses, according to BBX President Harold Hambrick.
This year’s event – the 20th Reunion – is slated to be California ’s largest indoor Black family reunion and will be held Friday thru Sunday, May 1, 2 and 3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center .
Sponsored by OneUnited Bank, Farmers, the City of Los Angeles and more, this networking extravaganza will enable new and aspiring business owners to obtain pointers from established corporations and vendors who have been with the Expo since it started, said Hambrick. At the same time, African American consumers, whose L.A. County annual spending power is more than four billion dollars, will have the opportunity to talk to owners about their products and services.
Media representatives and celebrities, including Wendy Raquel Robinson, Bill Duke and more, will be on hand to meet and shake hands with the residents of Southern California .
Events include the Tom Bradley Business Institute; Glory Kitchen Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court; West Coast Black Music Festival; Black Writers on Tour, the Fitness; Health and Sports Pavilion; AfroKids World; Black College Row; GospeLive, Art Zone and Farmers “Success Starts Here,” agency opportunity sessions.
Activities are open to the public and include:
Friday, May 1, opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, with L.A. City officials; Tom Bradley Business Institute, featuring workshops and seminars, including a presentation by Jerome Love, author and President of the Houston Black Expo, Inc.; Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Youth Summit, exposing invited high students to the business development process and a Mayor’s Forum, featuring Mayors Villaraigosa and Dorn ( Inglewood ).
Saturday, May 2, the Tom Bradley Business Institute, featuring lectures and panel discussions; Black Writers On Tour and the West Coast Black Music Festival, hosted by KJLH’s Roland Bynum, featuring vocalists Phyllis Battle and Renaissance and will honor composer, producer, arranger and director H. B. Barnum. KJLH’s 9th Annual Women’s Health Forum, hosted by Jacquie Stephens, will run simultaneously. A Community Faith Forum, hosted by Rev. Clyde Oden of Bryant Temple AME Church and Rev. Kelvin Calloway of Bethel AME Church , will feature Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Sunday, May 3, Hair show and barbering competition, Black Writers on Tour and the West Coast GospeLive concert, hosted by FM 93.5’s Niele Anderson. The concert will pay tribute to gospel legends Billy Preston, Rev. James Cleveland and Frank Williams and will honor KPFK gospel announcer Edna Tatum. The students of Wendy Raquel Robinson’s Amazing Grace Conservatory will perform a scene from their upcoming production of “Little Sarafina.”
“Also on Sunday, we are hopeful that church leaders throughout Southern California will join us in commemorating “Black Business Sabbath,” by promoting Black businesses and introducing or re-introducing business owners in their congregations,” said Hambrick.
Founded in 1989 as a way of introducing Black businesses to consumers, share information on entrepreneurism and business development and build long-term relationships, BBX has exposed thousands of small businesses and corporations to nearly a million attendees. Additionally, through the power of the internet, Hambrick founded Black Expos of America (BXA) as a way to raise the profile of Black businesses around the country and educate the public about the power of harnessing their dollars for community empowerment.
“In this era of price consciousness, BBX felt it necessary to hold down costs, therefore, our ticket prices have not increased,” said Hambrick. “Tickets are still only $5 for persons 12 and older. Kids under 12 are free.”
The exhibit area will be open Friday and Sunday, noon to 6, and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. For vendor booth registration, call (323) 290-4743 or visit www.blackbusinessexpo.com.
BBX’s Tom Bradley Business Institute To Offer Workshops
Helping business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs take their enterprises to new heights will be the focus of Black Business Expo’s Tom Bradley Business Institute (TBBI).
The Institute is part of BBX’s 20th Reunion, to be held May 1, 2 and 3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center .
Sponsored by OneUnited Bank, Farmers and the City of Los Angeles , TBBI will include sessions on financing, public speaking, and business opportunities and will include an excellent opportunity for business to business networking, according to BBX President, Harold Hambrick.
Some of the TBBI scheduled highlights are: The Mayors Forum, at 10 a.m. Friday, featuring a panel including Mayors Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, Dorn of Inglewood and Perrodin of Compton, who will address business projections and redevelopment within their cities and South Los Angeles; Kenneth Adams, Farmers Eastern Zone Manager, Emerging Markets, will host “Success Starts Here” agency opportunity sessions on Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Norma Hollis, creator of Authentic Communications Solutions, will help participants improve their public presentation and public speaking ability; Black Writers on Tour, led by Dr. Rosie Milligan, will help authors and would-be writers understand the world of book publishing; Today’s Entrepreneurs Youth Summit, will enable invited high school students to get a birds-eye view of what it takes to move an idea from concept to business plan and beyond. Participants will bet an opportunity to meet and talk with nationally recognized author, speaker and President of the Houston Black Expo, Inc., Jerome Love, as he addresses how to simultaneously manage multiple entrepreneurial enterprises.
In addition to the workshops, experts in the field of health, fitness and beauty will provide expertise and advice on the main floor of the convention area.
The BBX exhibit area, open to the public Friday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m., will also include the Glory Food Kitchen Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court; West Coast Black Music Festival; Black Writers on Tour, the Fitness; Health and Sports Pavilion; AfroKids World; Black College Row; GospeLive and Art Zone.
Friday, May 1 highlights include, opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting, with L.A. City officials; Tom Bradley Business Institute, featuring workshops and seminars, including a presentation by Jerome Love, author and President of the Houston Black Expo, Inc.; Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Teen Summit, exposing invited 11 & 12th graders to the business development process.
Saturday, May 2, the Tom Bradley Business Institute, featuring lectures and panel discussions; West Coast Black Music Festival. KJLH’s 9th Annual Women’s Health Forum, hosted by Jacquie Stephens, will run simultaneously. Kids under 12 will have an opportunity to experience fun and games developed by African American entrepreneur Leo Sullivan. Teens covering BBX activities with video cameras will have an opportunity to learn how to upload information on the internet.
Sunday, May 3, Hair show and barbering competition and the West Coast GospeLive concert, honoring radio announcer Edna Tatum and paying tribute to West Coast gospel legends Billy Preston and the Rev. James Cleveland..
Founded in 1989 as a way of introducing Black businesses to consumers, share information on entrepreneurism and business development and build long-term relationships, BBX has exposed thousands of small businesses and corporations to nearly a million attendees. Additionally, through the power of the internet, Hambrick founded Black Expos of America (BXA) as a way to raise the profile of Black businesses around the country and educate the public about the power of harnessing their dollars for community empowerment.
The BBX Business Institute was renamed last year in honor of Mayor Bradley, with the permission of his widow Ethel and daughters. Bradley, who served from 1973 to 1993, was instrumental in changing the face of L.A. City government changed, expanding opportunities for minorities in both employment as well as business.
“In this era of price consciousness, BBX felt it necessary to hold down costs, therefore, our ticket prices have not increased,” said Hambrick. “Tickets are still only $5 for persons 12 and older. Kids under 12 are free.”
BBX 20th Reunion To Include Theatrical Performance, Concerts
Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, Black Business Expo (BBX) spokesperson and co-founder of the theatrical training institute, Amazing Grace Conservatory (ACG), will bring her students to the BBX stage to perform a scene from their upcoming production of the musical “Little Sarafina.”
The special performance will be held during BBX’s 20th Reunion on Sunday, May 3, at 2:30 p.m in the Tom Bradley Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center . Robinson, an experienced television, film and theatrical actress, best known for her role as Regina on the “The Steve Harvey Show, will also appear at BBX for the Friday morning event kick-off and throughout the 3-day event.
In addition to Robinson, celebrity appearances will include Bill Duke, actor, producer, educator, and director of the T.D. Jakes film, “Not Easily Broken;” and humorist, motivational speaker and diabetes awareness advocate, Mother Love.
Rounding out the weekend entertainment will be the West Coast Black Music Festival on Saturday, hosted by KJLH’s Roland Bynum and the West Coast GospeLive Concert on Sunday, hosted by radio station 93.5’s Niele Anderson.
“Both events will feature some of the outstanding talent we have in the Southern California area,” said Harold Hambrick, BBX President. “Saturday’s event will feature vocalists Phyllis Battle and Renaissance, an open mic, spoken word component, and a surprise 20th Reunion celebration. Additionally, the evening will close with a Mardi Gras/Reggae Celebration.
Famed pianist, arranger, songwriter, producer and former child actor, H.B. Barnum will be honored during the show. He is most widely knows as an arranger for a wide range of performers, including Count Basie, O.C. Smith, Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Gladys Knight and Al Wilson.
Sponsored by OneUnited Bank, Farmers and the City of Los Angeles, BBX events include the Tom Bradley Business Institute; Glory Kitchen Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court ; Black Writers on Tour, the Fitness; Health and Sports Pavilion; AfroKids World; Black College Row and Art Zone . The exhibit area will be open Friday and Sunday, noon to 6, and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for persons 12 and older. Kids under 12 are free.
BBX To Highlight Gospel Music On Sunday
The Black Business Expo’s 20th Reunion will pay tribute to three gospel legends, Frank Williams, founder and director of the Mississippi Mass Choir, vocalist and keyboard artist extraordinaire, Billy Preston and the Rev. James Cleveland, whose singing, composing, and arranging talents revolutionized the way in which gospel music was performed, recorded and accepted into the mainstream.
The tribute, featuring videos of the men in performance, will be shown on Sunday, May 3, noon to 3 p.m. in the Tom Bradley Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center . The recordings will precede the BBX West Coast GospeLive Concert, to be emceed by Niele Anderson, host of “Inspire Me Sundays” on The BEAT, 93.5 FM.
Williams began singing gospel music in churches as a child, spending his evenings immersed in its sounds, under the guiding hand of his father, Leon. He had a vision that the soulful voices of Mississippi needed to be captured in choir, and founded Mississippi Mass in 1989. He was also a member of the Jackson Southenaires and an executive in the gospel music section of Maleco records.
Preston , the musical genius, followed in the footsteps of his mother and sister, Rodena in his love for playing the piano. He directed church choirs and accompanied musical giants, including Mahalia Jackson while still a child. Throughout his career, he was known for playing strong rhythms and mastery of the keyboards. In addition to R & B, he recorded several gospel projects and played keyboards on the albums of several others, including the Rev. James Cleveland.
Considered, “The King of Gospel,” Cleveland left a catalog of compositions and arrangements which have become standards in many churches. In 1962, he recorded the first ever live gospel album. Entitled, “This Sunday In Person,” the project featured Preston on organ. Later that year, his “Peace Be Still,” album made history when it sold more than 800,000 copies without the benefit of traditional promotion. As a way to preserve gospel music, he co-founded of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GWMA). With chapters around the world, GWMA continues to host conventions in order to provide music education and develop talent and music ministries
During the concert, Edna Tatum, the announcer of “Gospel Classics” on KPFK radio, will receive the BBX Mahalia Jackson Gospel Legends Award. The award will be presented by Harold Hambrick, BBX President and John Phillips, last year’s awardee and 55 year gospel announcer. Phillips can currently be heard on KTYM, 1460 AM.
“Ms Tatum has done a tremendous service by keeping traditional gospel music alive in Los Angeles through her Sunday radio program on KPFK and her work with the L.A. Chapter of the GWMA,” said Hambrick.
During the Sunday afternoon event, students from the Amazing Grace Conservatory (ACG) co-founded by actress Wendy Raquel Robinson, will perform a scene from their upcoming production of the musical “Little Sarafina.”
Sponsored by OneUnited Bank, Farmers and the City of Los Angeles , BBX brings the best of Black L.A. to consumers and businesses. Other scheduled events include, the Tom Bradley Business Institute (and Mayors Forum); Glory Kitchen Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court ; West Coast Black Music Festival; Black Writers on Tour, the Fitness; Health and Sports Pavilion; AfroKids World; Black College Row; Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Teen Summit and Art Zone . Exhibit floor hours are Friday, May 1 and Sunday, May 3, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 2, noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for persons 12 and older. Children under 12 are free. For information, go to www.blackbusinessexpo.com.
Edna Tatum to Be Honored During Black Business Expo (BBX)
Three-Day Event Will Honor Gospel Legends
Edna Tatum, radio announcer extraordinaire, will receive the 2009 Black Business Expo (BBX) Mahalia Jackson Gospel Legends Award during the West Coast GospeLive concert on Sunday, May 3, 4 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center ’s Tom Bradley Hall.
The awards ceremony will be held during the 20th Reunion celebration of BBX. Tatum will be presented the award by Harold Hambrick, BBX President and John Phillips, 55-year radio announcer and previous honoree.
“Ms Tatum has done a tremendous service by keeping traditional gospel music alive in Los Angeles through her Sunday radio program on KPFK and her work with the L.A. Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America,” said Hambrick.
With a distinct, recognizable voice, Tatum has served as commentator for programs throughout the country and is well-known as the narrator for the “old landmark” concerts around Los Angeles (one of which was recently held at Macedonia Baptist Church ). Throughout her career, she has worked with several gospel giants, including the Rev. James Cleveland, Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers, Rev. Albert Jamison, Dottie Peoples, Bishop Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir, Rev. Daryl Coley and more. She recorded her own CD, “Words and Music” Vol I, Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow,” with the prolific, Billy Preston.
In addition to Tatum, the BBX’s GospeLive concert will pay tribute to two West Coast gospel legends, vocalist and keyboard artist Billy Preston and the Rev. James Cleveland, the icon whose singing, composing and arranging talents revolutionized the way in which gospel music was performed, recorded and accepted into the mainstream. Music videos of both legends and others will be shown, 12 noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon in between live performances of gospel music.
Sponsored by OneUnited Bank, Farmers and the City of Los Angeles , BBX brings the best of Black L.A. to consumers and businesses. Other scheduled events include, the Tom Bradley Business Institute (and Mayors Forum); Glory Kitchen Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court; West Coast Black Music Festival; Black Writers on Tour, the Fitness; Health and Sports Pavilion; AfroKids World; Black College Row; GospeLive , Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs Teen Summit and Art Zone. Exhibit floor hours are Friday, May 1 and Sunday, May 3, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 2, noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for persons 12 and older. Children under 12 are free. For information, go to www.blackbusinessexpo.com.
Health, Fitness to Play a Key Role at BBX
Health education, stress relief and exercise will play a prominent role at the Black Business Expo’s 20th Reunion, May 1, 2 and 3 at the Los Angeles Convention Center . In addition to the exhibitors, food, concerts and workshops thru the Tom Bradley Business Institute, the BBX “Health, Sports and Fitness Zone” will include health information and activities for persons of all ages.
“With the everyday stress that many are experiencing as a result of the country’s financial crisis, it is important for individuals to maintain a level of rest and exercise that is appropriate for their age and physical condition,” said Harold Hambrick, BBX President. “It is also important to know about illnesses and diseases that have a tremendous impact on our community – and the ways in which we can avoid or minimize their toll on the body.”
On Saturday, exercise programs will begin at noon, with line dancing and will continue throughout the day with demonstrations, featuring basic exercises, cardio kick boxing, karate, and body building. CNN contributor and clinical psychologist, Dr. Gloria Morrow, will discuss stress and its impact on families during this financial crisis.
Additional panel discussions and lectures will address childhood obesity, teen health, diabetes awareness, eating to reverse cancer, men’s health, root, and nutrition and fitness. A special panel discussion on sickle cell disease awareness will be accompanied by a blood drive to benefit children suffering from the disease.
Sunday will feature: “The Massage,” an inspirational message combined with breathing techniques, by KJLH’s Kevin Nash; line dancing, kick boxing and fitness demonstrations, and a host of women’s health and mental health discussions, including diet, financial health, women and HIV/AIDS, surviving cancer and forgiveness for healthy living.
Sponsored by OneUnited Bank, Farmers and the City of Los Angeles, BBX events include the Tom Bradley Business Institute; Glory Kitchen Tastin’ Black Culture Food Court; West Coast Black Music Festival; Black Writers on Tour, the Fitness; Health and Sports Pavilion; AfroKids World; Black College Row; West Coast GospeLive and Art Zone. The exhibit area will be open Friday and Sunday, noon to 6, and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.
“In this era of price consciousness, BBX felt it necessary to hold down costs, therefore, our ticket prices have not increased,” said Hambrick. “Tickets are still only $5 for persons 12 and older. Kids under 12 are free.”
Media Contact: Vicki Phillips mediapro7@sbcglobal.net
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