(Tech Zone Daily) If anyone hadpredicted my journey of producing the Black Women’s Expo would last this long — a venerable institution marking a three-decade milestone — I likely would not have believed them. However, poised to celebrate our 30th anniversary as the nation’s largest and longest running expo for Black women, I remain immensely grateful for this journey, for every milepost of our story, and chapters yet to be written.
In this season of reflection, I am reminded of all the obstacles, naysayers, roadblocks and circumstances beyond my control that over the years brought into question whether this institution would continue. I am reminded too, that with eachof those difficult scenarioscame a solution, pivot, or prayerthat brought us to a place of success and our unwavering will to keep pressing ever forward.
As spring 2025 unfolds, I am encountering the newest obstacle —not only impacting my business but impairing a significant number of entrepreneurs and organizations at an alarming rate. Simply looking to elevate their brands, reach their target markets and cater to diverse and unique consumers,entrepreneurs are suddenly meetingunexpected opposition. That opposition has led to cancellation of several of Chicago’s signature summer events— as some corporate sponsors who have long partnered with us in a commitment to diversity have surprisingly begunto bow out.
No more supporting diverse communities?One longtime sponsor of the Black Women’s Expo recently told me that our institution founded on the bedrock of inclusivenessis now “not inclusive enough.” What???I wasn’t sure how to receive that accusation, particularly against my own experience of being excluded from sought-after opportunities— despite meeting or exceeding credentials and qualifications — simply because I am Black, because I am a woman, or because I am both. This type of institutional racism is among the reasons Black Women’s Expo came into existence!
The sudden dismissal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has created a fallout that demands the attention of all people of good will, demands our collective voice be raised,demands our collective action. Without warning, companies and organizations long committed to the promise of America are being told to eliminate programming and/or positions that promote acceptance and celebration ofall of our differences — or risk being stripped of government funding. What year is this? What time machine are we being invited/forced back to?
It is imperative then, that Iraise my voice for the thousands of entrepreneurs who have gotten their start on our showroom floor, at times spending their last dollar to bring fledgling companies, products and services before this coveted target market.At the Black Women’s Expo, they were welcomed into an environment where they could be seen and appreciated for their unique ideas and amazing creationscatering to untapped diverse consumers.
It is imperative then, that I raise my voice for the sponsors that stepped out on faith to support us at inception in the early 90s, when others were hesitant. In exchange, those corporations have reaped much benefit over the years, connecting with hundreds of thousands of Black women with power, influence and money to spend, as well as attendees of every race who come for our impressive yearly line-up of national speakers, newsmakers and celebrities. From Oprah Winfrey and Winnie Mandela to Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson, the Black Women’s Expo has seen and continues to welcome high-profile participants of influence and respect, revered by communities of all backgrounds.
