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.
###

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.
###