FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30th Annual Black Women’s Expo Set for August 1-3 at McCormick Place

Soul Singer Raheem DeVaughn Hits the Stage Friday; Talk Show Host and Author Tamron Hall and Gospel Legend Marvin Sapp announced as Headliners Sunday, August 3rd; Signature Event "Bagels and Bosses" Returns as a Brunch

(CHICAGO) – The 30th Anniversary of the Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT) will take place August 1-3, 2025 at McCormick. Executive Producer and founder of the largest, longest running exposition for Black women recently announced that soulful singer Raheem DeVaughn will perform on Friday, August 1st, and gospel great Marvin Sapp will serve as the headliner on Sunday, August 3rd. In addition, the signature event "Bagels and Bosses" has been added to the line-up as a special ticketed brunch where CEOs in the beauty industry share tips on running successful businesses through effective branding, scaling, research and more. This session will be held on August 3rd as well at 12:00 p.m.

Other highlights include a Men's Den, a spa and wellness area, a pavilion featuring Historically Black Fraternities and Sororities titled the "Divine 9", live fitness and food demonstrations, seminars and a few surprises.

“It's our 30th anniversary, so the team is developing a roster of performances and surprises that will merge blasts from the past with more current artists and performers,” said Green. “This show has so much history, and we are trying to pack a gigantic celebration into three days. Now that we have reached this noteworthy milestone, the Expo has to be unforgettably special.”

Green and the dynamic team she has assembled, invite supporters near and far to support the 30th Annual Black Women’s Expo, August 1-3, 2025 at McCormick Place. For three, fun-filled days, thousands of Black women and their families attend where they are celebrated for their accomplishments and dreams. The event features hundreds of exhibitors, life-changing seminars and panel discussions, high profile guest speakers, live demonstrations and a robust line-up of celebrity performances.

Tickets are available for 1/2 price at all Chicagoland Walgreens stores.

In addition, Green has established a non-profit entity titled the “Black Women's Entrepreneurial Fund” to support women who aspire to start and grow their businesses and follow their dreams. Therefore, the legacy of the Black Women’s Expo will live on for generations, which aligns perfectly with this year’s theme “The Legacy Continues.”

There is still time to secure an exhibitor booth, become a sponsor and book a discounted hotel stay. Note that "Bagels and Bosses" requires purchase of a separate ticket.

“Whether as an exhibitor, sponsor, presenter, performer or attendee, I hope that everyone will come to experience this monumental event produced by Black women, for Black women,” said Green. Visit www.BWenext.com for regular updates on performances, seminars and special surprises.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2024

Annual Black Women’s Expo to Feature Soulful Songstress Angie Stone Half-priced tickets now on sale at Chicagoland Walgreens locations

(CHICAGO) – Today, Black Women’s Expo founder and executive producer Merry Green took to Facebook and Instagram to announce the performance of soulful songstress Angie Stone at the 29th Annual Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT). The show takes place August 2 – 4, 2024 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther (North Building, Hall C-1), with Stone gracing the main stage Saturday, August 3rd.

Stone, who is also a songwriter, actress and producer, is best known for hits such as “Brotha,” “No More Rain,” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and a host of others.

“When securing talent for BWe, we try to select crowd favorites who have a portfolio of songs that resonate with our target audience,” said Green. “Angie Stone definitely fits this bill, and has a fan base that is cross generational.”

Festivities surrounding BWe NEXT will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place Friday, August 2nd at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance of the Expo and will feature brief remarks by several city officials, dignitaries and sponsors.

Tickets to BWe NEXT are now available for HALF-PRICE at all Chicagoland Walgreens stores. “I simply wanted to do something to celebrate and uplift Black women and their entrepreneurial endeavors,” recalls Green. “Never did I imagine that we would be here 29 years later and that the Black Women’s Expo would become an event woven into the fabric of Black culture.” Themed “72 Hours in Chicago” BWe NEXT organizers are partnering with various businesses, organizations and tourism attractions to create an unforgettable experience for those choosing to travel to Chicago the weekend of August 2-4, 2024.

BWe NEXT will include activations varying in size that address the needs of Black women and their families through topical seminars and general sessions presented by knowledgeable subject matter experts. The show floor will feature more than 400 exhibitors and themed resource pavilions highlighting areas of interest that Black women want to know more about including Health & Wellness, Food & Nutrition, Finance & Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship among others. The line-up will also include a career fair and a one-day women’s leadership conference. Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

To secure a booth, become a sponsor and for regular updates on seminars, performances and other event details, visit www.BWeNEXT.com. ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2024

Mothers of the Movement to Appear at the 29th Annual Black Women’s Expo
Powerful stories to be shared about the murders of their sons

(CHICAGO) – Black Women’s Expo founder and executive producer Merry Green has announced that three activists from "Mothers of the Movement" have accepted the invitation to appear at the 29th Annual Black Women’s Expo. They include:
● Sybrina Fulton (mother of Trayvon Martin)
● Gwendolyn Carr (mother of Eric Garner)
● Wanda Cooper Jones (mother of Ahmaud Arbery)

“As women who have lost their sons to violence or police brutality, they have a powerful message of courage and resolve to share,” said Green.

Their main stage session on Sunday, August 4th at 3:00 p.m. The entire show takes place August 2 – 4, 2024 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther (North Building, Hall C-1), with Mothers of the Movement appearing on the main stage on Sunday, August 4th at 3:00 p.m.

Festivities surrounding BWe NEXT will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place Friday, August 2nd at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance of the Expo and will feature brief remarks by several city officials, dignitaries and sponsors. A Women’s Leadership Conference and Career Fair are among the opening day attractions.

Actress Jenifer Lewis will grace the main stage at 3:00 p.m. followed by soulful songstress Angie Stone at 6:00 p.m. More talent and special guests are continually being added to the weekend line-up. Tickets to BWe NEXT are now available for HALF-PRICE at all Chicagoland Walgreens
stores.
“I simply wanted to do something to celebrate and uplift Black women and their entrepreneurial endeavors,” recalls Green. “Never did I imagine that we would be here 29 years later and that the Black Women’s Expo would become an event woven into the fabric of Black culture.”

Themed “72 Hours in Chicago” BWe NEXT organizers are partnering with various businesses, organizations and tourism attractions to create an unforgettable experience for those choosing to travel to Chicago the weekend of August 2-4, 2024.

BWe NEXT will include activations varying in size that address the needs of Black women and their families through topical seminars and general sessions presented by knowledgeable subject matter experts.

The show floor will feature more than 400 exhibitors and themed resource pavilions highlighting areas of interest that Black women want to know more about including Health & Wellness, Food & Nutrition, Finance & Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship among others.

Fashion and hair shows are also a part of the must-see activities.
Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To secure a booth, become a sponsor and for regular updates on seminars, performances and other event details, visit www.BWeNEXT.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2024

29th Annual Black Women’s Expo to Feature Actress, Singer, Author Jenifer Lewis
Half-priced tickets now on sale at Chicagoland Walgreens locations

(CHICAGO) – Black Women’s Expo founder and executive producer Merry Green has announced that renowned actress, singer and Author Jenifer Lewis will appear at the 29th Annual Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT). The show takes place August 2 – 4, 2024 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther (North Building, Hall C-1), with Lewis gracing the main stage Saturday, August 3rd at 3:00 p.m.

Dubbed a National Treasure and a force to be reckoned with, award-winning
actress Jenifer Lewis starred on ABC’s Black-ish, as the hilarious grandmother Ruby Johnson.

Ms. Lewis has appeared in over 400 episodic television shows, 68 movies, 40 animations, and 4 Broadway shows, such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Friends, A Different World, Twenties, Castaway, What’s Love Got to Do with It, Think Like a Man, Madea’s Family Reunion, Strong Medicine, The Princess and the Frog, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Rugrats, Cars 1,2 and 3, American Dad, and Hairspray. She has performed in more than 200 concerts worldwide including, sold out audiences at Lincoln Center and an electrifying standing ovation at Carnegie Hall.
“I am so excited to have Ms. Lewis bring her incredible story to the Black Women’s Expo,” said Green. “Her accomplishments are endless, and she connects with a diverse, cross-section of women, which is ideal for our platform.”

Festivities surrounding BWe NEXT will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place Friday, August 2nd at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance of the Expo and will feature brief remarks by several city officials, dignitaries and sponsors. A Women’s Leadership Conference and Career Fair are among the opening day attractions.

Tickets to BWe NEXT are now available for HALF-PRICE at all Chicagoland Walgreens stores.

“I simply wanted to do something to celebrate and uplift Black women and their entrepreneurial endeavors,” recalls Green. “Never did I imagine that we would be here 29 years later and that the Black Women’s Expo would become an event woven into the fabric of Black culture.”

Themed “72 Hours in Chicago” BWe NEXT organizers are partnering with various businesses, organizations and tourism attractions to create an unforgettable experience for those choosing to travel to Chicago the weekend of August 2-4, 2024.

BWe NEXT will include activations varying in size that address the needs of Black women and their families through topical seminars and general sessions presented by knowledgeable subject matter experts.

The show floor will feature more than 400 exhibitors and themed resource pavilions highlighting areas of interest that Black women want to know more about including Health & Wellness, Food & Nutrition, Finance & Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship among others.

Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

To secure a booth, become a sponsor and for regular updates on seminars, performances and other event details, visit www.BWeNEXT.com.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2024

29th Annual Black Women’s Expo to Feature Soulful Songstress Angie Stone
Half-priced tickets now on sale at Chicagoland Walgreens locations

(CHICAGO) – Today, Black Women’s Expo founder and executive producer Merry Green took to Facebook and Instagram to announce the performance of soulful songstress Angie Stone at the 29th Annual Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT). The show takes place August 2 – 4, 2024 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther (North Building, Hall C-1), with Stone gracing the main stage Saturday, August 3rd.

Stone, who is also a songwriter, actress and producer, is best known for hits such as “Brotha,” “No More Rain,” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and a host of others.

“When securing talent for BWe, we try to select crowd favorites who have a portfolio of songs that resonate with our target audience,” said Green. “Angie Stone definitely fits this bill, and has a fan base that is cross generational.”
Festivities surrounding BWe NEXT will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place Friday, August 2nd at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance of the Expo and will feature brief remarks by several city officials, dignitaries and sponsors.
Tickets to BWe NEXT are now available for HALF-PRICE at all Chicagoland Walgreens stores.

“I simply wanted to do something to celebrate and uplift Black women and their entrepreneurial endeavors,” recalls Green. “Never did I imagine that we would be here 29 years later and that the Black Women’s Expo would become an event woven into the fabric of Black culture.”

Themed “72 Hours in Chicago” BWe NEXT organizers are partnering with various businesses, organizations and tourism attractions to create an unforgettable experience for those choosing to travel to Chicago the weekend of August 2-4, 2024.

BWe NEXT will include activations varying in size that address the needs of Black women and their families through topical seminars and general sessions presented by knowledgeable subject matter experts.

The show floor will feature more than 400 exhibitors and themed resource pavilions highlighting areas of interest that Black women want to know more about including Health & Wellness, Food & Nutrition, Finance & Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship among others.

The line-up will also include a career fair and a one-day women’s leadership conference. Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

To secure a booth, become a sponsor and for regular updates on seminars, performances and other event details, visit www.BWeNEXT.com.
###