History in the making
Shape your world.
The organizers of the annual Black Expo are out to prove there’s more to Black History Month than those 30-second historical profiles broadcast between sitcoms on network TV. Last year, more than 40,000 people attended Black Expo ’04 for three days of music, motivational speakers, shopping and educational seminars. This year’s Black Expo, subtitled “Stepping Up to Greatness,” promises to be even bigger.
No matter when you drop in, there’ll be something happening. Here are a few of the program’s highlights: On Friday at 2 p.m., the Glory Awards will honor community spiritual leaders. Later that afternoon, a panel will discuss “The State of Black Men.” That night’s VIP mixer includes a live concert by Regina Belle. Saturday brings a soul-food cookoff, a fashion show by Macy’s at 1:30 p.m., kids’ hip-hop dance lessons by Swoop at 3 p.m., the “Laff Jam” Black Comedy Competition at 3:30 p.m., and live concerts by Evelyn “Champagne” King and jazz legend Roy Ayers in the evening. The area’s best choirs will wake up singing on “Gospel Sunday,” and Macy’s will help brides-to-be with wedding planning at 3 p.m. All three days offer a chance to shop at black-owned businesses, as well as educational booths on financial planning, travel, health, parenting and home ownership.
Admission is free Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Cal Expo. Visit www.sacblackexpo.com for more information. This weekend, don’t just study black history; make some.
