21st Annual Black Women’s Expo Returns

Lee Edwards | As of Friday, March 27, 2015

The 21st Annual Black Women’s Expo (BWE) continues its legacy of celebrating African American women and girls. This year’s Expo will once again be held at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., from March 27-29.

“We’ve become the event for African American women to connect and to be empowered, to be enlightened, to talk about all of the issues that we face in our community,” said Merry Green, creator & founder of The Black Women’s Expo. “In my eyes, the event has become an all important event in the African American community in Chicago and I say that because of the kind of response, the kind of interest that

we’re getting.”

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Merry Green, creator & founder of The Black Women's Expo, anticipates another capacity crowd at the 21st annual Black Women's Expo held at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, from March 27-29.

Green has an extensive background and expertise in community relations and outreach, creating effective public relations campaigns, and producing special events specifically targeting the African American community.

The Black Women’s Expo in Chicago, reportedly is the nation’s longest running empowerment exposition for the African American consumer. Since 1995, MGPG Events, Inc., a boutique firm headquartered in the city of Chicago and founded by Green, has specialized in Event Planning & Production, Experiential Marketing and Public Relations for an expansive list of clients.

The BWE is an ideal platform for local and national businesses. New this year are "pavilions" or marketplaces for specific demographics. For example, the “Men’s Den” will offer haircuts and other services for men.

“ We’re the event that [gives] African American small businesses an opportunity to bring a product to market to showcase what they are selling, what they are attempting to produce and develop,” said Green.

The BWE’s annual Phenomenal Woman Awards Gala kicks-off the weekend. This year’s Gala will recognize African American women in community service, corporate services, education, health, faith based organizations, civil rights, politics, young organizations, and medicine. The Gala’s keynote speaker is best-selling author, Lisa Nichols.

Bernnadette Pullium better known as Thelma from the 70's television program, Good Times and Keshia Knight Pulliam of the Cosby show are also on the event's roster of speakers.

The Black Women’s Expo aims to creates a forum in Chicago for women to discuss and explore solutions to the issues they confront in their daily lives and to celebrate their aspirations and achievements in an event designed for women by women, according to its website.

In 2013, more than 25,000 individuals visited the Black Women’s Expo. For more information about the Black Women’s Expo visit http://www.theblackwomensexpo.com/index.php.

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