8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend Showcases and Supports over 1000 Black-Owned Businesses


8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend Showcases and Supports over 1000 Black-Owned Businesses

WDB Cares Non-for-Profit Provides a Platform to Highlight Young Entrepreneurs' and provide over $25,000 in Business Support

CHICAGO, January 21, 2025 – WDB Marketing and its nonprofit arm, WDB Cares, are thrilled to announce the 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. (Leadership, Education, Growth, Advocacy, Community, and Youth) Awards Weekend, set to take place from March 14th to March 16th. This three-day extravaganza promises to be a vibrant celebration of Black entrepreneurs, offering a platform for inspiration, education, and networking for over 1,000 businesses. The weekend will culminate in a gala honoring remarkable entrepreneurs and their significant contributions to their communities.

This highly anticipated event serves as a vital gathering for local mom-and-pop shops, nonprofit organizations, and emerging enterprises of all sizes. The weekend events are thoughtfully designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, network and support leadership development. In particular. The weekend also aims to connect Black entrepreneurs, providing them with encouragement and celebrating them.

Key Events:

Friday, March 14th: L.E.G.A.C.Y. Talk Business Mixer 

This exclusive event promises to be an unforgettable evening, bringing together distinguished guests, esteemed panelists, and the honorees of the WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards, alongside a dynamic array of businesses for an enriching networking experience. The highlight of the night will feature Aisha “Pinky” Cole, founder of The Slutty Vegan—the fastest-growing vegan restaurant in the United States. Join us for an inspiring evening filled with connection, insight, and celebration!

Saturday, March 15th: 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala

Happening at 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607 from 6:00 PM until midnight, the gala will proudly feature a vibrant showcase of fifteen Black-owned restaurants, highlighting the richness and diversity of our culinary landscape. We will also honor our esteemed recipients of the 2025 WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards, recognizing their remarkable contributions and achievements in the business community. Distinguished honorees include legendary entrepreneur George Daniels; Leadership Award, Trez Pugh owner serial coffee chain Sip and Savor; Community Award, Myitii Sengstacke of The Bud Billiken Parade; Family LEGACY Award, HRM Togbi Nyaho Tamakloe VI - Anlo Kingdom Volta - Ghana, Visionary Leader, Dr. Aleta “Englewood Barbie” Clark, Advocacy Award, Trez Pugh, and a special post-humous honor for Tammera Holmes, founder of Aerostars, an orgnaization that helped over 150 Black youth enter the field of aviation.

Among the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the WDB Cares Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. One deserving winner will receive up to $25K in cash and prizes to help turn their vision into reality, generously provided by experienced Black entrepreneurs committed to uplifting the next generation of leaders.

Sunday, March 16th: Brunch

Guests are warmly invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience, where we will reflect, reconnect, and recharge after an inspiring weekend of collaboration.

For more information about the 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Weekend, tickets, and how to enter the Young Entrepreneur concert log on to https://www.legacyawardsweekend.com.


Connect with WDB Legacy Awards Weekend:

FB: WDB Marketing

IG: @wdblegacynetwork

Linkedin: WDB Marketing

About WDB Cares NFP

WDB Cares is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on empowering minority communities through economic development and support. Key highlights initiative includes: Grant Program: Providing accessible grants specifically for entrepreneurs, aimed at alleviating startup costs, supporting business expansion, and addressing operational needs. Educational Workshops: A series of targeted workshops covering essential business topics, including marketing strategies, financial management, and access to capital.

About WDB Marketing

WDB Marketing is a full-service marketing company established in 2006. Services include graphic design, brand management, marketing solutions, and full-service printing. They manufacture all their print services in-house, making them the first African-American-owned full-service printing manufacturer in the South Suburbs. To date, WDB Marketing has proudly serviced over 5,000 businesses and entrepreneurs across industries, including retail, professional, and not-for-profit.

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