Black Women’s Expo Announces Seminar Line-up for 22nd season
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Leon, Rushion McDonald, Kendra G, Dennis Kimbro to lead discussions
The Black Women’s Expo (BWE) is known for producing seminars that are edgy, hard hitting, uplifting, provocative, informative and just plain fun. This year is no exception when one of Chicago’s most anticipated annual experiential events celebrates its 22nd anniversary April 8 – 10 at McCormick Place.
This first stop on the BWE’s three city tour, under the theme “She Matters, will feature locally and nationally recognized speakers touching on topics from finance to relationships; raising our children to protecting our communities.
“The Black Women’s Expo seminars are programmed to offer African American women an opportunity to get informed, empowered and enlightened, says Expo founder Merry Green. Our seminars and workshops will be far-ranging and engaging, featuring topics that impact women’s daily lives.”
Highlights from this year’s BWE include:
Friday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- The Black Women’s Expo presents the BWe Teen Summit– Sponsored by Walgreens
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Girl + Hair: Hair Tips with Angela Stevens
Saturday
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- How I Lost 160+ Pounds by “Architecting Flavor” with Chef Judson Todd Allen
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- ‘How to Love a Black Man’ – The Six Brown Chicks
- YOU® BE NATURAL™ — A Curls Best Friend – Sponsored By Luster Products
- TOTAL HEALTH: It’s ALL About You – Sponsored by University of Chicago Medicine
- Blacks In Hollywood with Leon, Kym Whitley and Sheryl Lee Ralph
*Sheryl Lee Ralph joins the panel with Leon & Kym Whitley as they air it all out about #BlacksInHollywood #OscarsSoWhite … We can’t wait for this one! Happening Saturday April 9th from 1:30-2:30.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
- Date Girl: 143 Reasons Why Women Should Date Multiple Men with Stacii Jae Johnson
- BWe Town Hall Discussion: The State of Emergency – Sponsored By: Chicago Defender & WVON- AM with Chicago Urban League: Kai EL’ Zabar, EXecutive Editor of Chicago Defender moderator; Panelists: Cheryl Mainor, Publisher of Chicago Defender; Melody Spann, Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, the parent company of WVON and Shari Runner, President and CEO – The Chicago Urban League discuss, violence, employment, politics & education’s impact on our community
- A Conversation with Dennis Kimbro
- Money Making Conversations with Rushion McDonald
- Frankly Speaking with Frankie Robinson & Claudia Jordan
- How to be a Female Boss and Live the Life You Want with Porsha Williams
Sunday
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
- Ladies, Take Control of Your Finances with Country Financial
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- We Need Our Audience Back: A Conversation with African American Novelist, Omar Tyree
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- A Conversation with Toya Wright
Black Women’s Expo has continued to grow in Chicago, and is now the longest running exposition of its kind. Over 30,000 people, from 14 surrounding states, are expected to attend the expo during its three-day run at the McCormick Place Convention Center. This year that experience will extend to the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. September 16 – 18 and Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center October 7 – 9th. The rich cultural experience, while targeted to women, has elements for men, families and children.
The BWE offers informative seminars and panel discussions presented by notable local and national speakers and lecturers, educational exhibits and corporate displays, and rousing entertainment. Historically, the standing-room only seminars have addressed such issues as health & wellness, racial equality, hair & beauty, travel, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more.
BWE also offers African American consumers themed pavilions including the Literary Café, which showcases African American authors and booksellers; the Natural Hair Pavilion, featuring products specifically for natural hair; the Health & Wellness pavilion, where local medical institutions provide much-needed health information and screenings; B-Groomed Men’s Den, a space where male guests can experience pampering and grooming, as well as see the best in men’s fashion; the Kidz Korner, sponsored by Mariano’s is an exciting space for young people with interactive games, exercise and fun activities. New this year is an Art Pavilion curated by artist Jonathon Romain featuring 10 outstanding artist.
The BWE official opening night event will be the BWE’s Phenomenal Woman Awards Reception, paying tribute to seven outstanding Chicago area women whose excellence in a variety of fields commands recognition. The 2016 honorees are Corporate – Corliss Garner, BMO Harris; Community Service – Torrey Richardson, Dear Father Letter Writing Movement; Education – Carol “Safisha” Lee, PhD, The Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools;
Health – JoAnne Glenn, W.O.T. Foundation, Inc.; Faith-Based – Rev. Janette Wilson, Rainbow Push; Entrepreneur – Fallon Johnson, Annie Bell Fragrances; Political – Kim Foxx, Cook County Government; Philanthropy – Nicole Robinson, Mondelez; Launa T. Thompson Spirit Award – Angela Ingram, iHeart Media Markets Group, Chicago Region; Inaugural She Matters Award – Sandra Bland (Posthumous). The Gala will be presented on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Continental Ballroom.