Black Women’s Expo debuts 23rd season of uplifting Black Women 

The Black Women’s Expo (BWe), one of Chicago’s most anticipated annual experiential events, celebrates its 23rd anniversary in Chicago April 7 – 9 at McCormick Place, the first stop of its three-city tour. Under the theme “#SheMatters,” the Black Women’s Expo offers African American women an opportunity to get informed, empowered and enlightened, while discovering the latest trends and amazing new products and services specifically created for them.

For 23 years, the Black Women’s Expo has continued to grow in Chicago, and is now the longest running exposition of its kind. Presented by Procter & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful (MBIB), in partnership with Walgreens, the BWe expects over 30,000 people, from 14 surrounding states, to attend the expo during its three-day run at the McCormick Place Convention Center. In 2016, BWe launched a national tour, that continues this year, with stops in Atlanta and Washington, D.C.  The rich cultural experience, while targeted to women, has elements for men, families and children.

“At the Black Women’s Expo we continue to champion the strength, savvy, and significance of the African American woman, while celebrating all the roles she fills in her family, career and community, said Merry Green, founder of the Expo.  Our continuing theme of “#She Matters” has resonated, not just in Chicago, but across the country, and we are excited to welcome our new presenting sponsor, P&G on board, as we kick off our three-city tour.  This city has afforded BWe an incredible platform for growth and expansion, and we think this year’s Expo will be exciting for first time and returning visitors.”

“It’s an honor to partner with Black Women’s Expo. We aspire to make a meaningful connection with consumers in our community, and the family of brands we represent.  My Black is Beautiful is proud to represent the unique beauty and lifestyle of Black women and to elevate their voices and recognize their contributions” said Verna Coleman-Hagler, Brand Manager of My Black Is Beautiful.

The BWe offers informative seminars and panel discussions presented by notable local and national speakers and lecturers, educational exhibits and corporate displays, and rousing entertainment.  Historically, the standing-room only seminars have addressed such issues as health & wellness, racial equality, hair & beauty, travel, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more.

BWe’s seminars and workshops will be far-ranging and engaging, featuring topics that impact women’s daily lives.  And as in past years, the BWe will touch on relevant topics impacting our communities, locally and nationally.

BWe will again host themed pavilions including: the Literary Café, which showcases African American authors and booksellers; the Natural Hair Pavilion, featuring products specifically for natural hair; the Health & Wellness pavilion, where local medical institutions provide much-needed health information and screenings; the Kidz Korner, an exciting space for young people with interactive games, exercise and fun activities; an Art Pavilion curated by noted artist Jonathon Romain.  New this year, BWe will host a Culinary Pavilion, where local and national chefs will showcase their cuisine, and a Networking Lounge.

The BWe official opening night event will be the BWe’s Phenomenal Woman Awards Reception, presented by My Black is Beautiful, paying tribute to outstanding Chicago area women whose excellence in a variety of fields command recognition. The Gala will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Crystal Ballroom beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The Black Women’s Expo is brought to you by Procter & Gamble’s My Black is Beautiful in partnership with Walgreen’s, and sponsors include State Farm, Chevrolet, United Airlines, ABC 7 Chicago, General Motors, Luster Products, Black McDonald’s Operators Association (BMOA), American Family Insurance, BMO Harris and Colgate. Media sponsors include The Chicago Defender and the Chicago Crusader. Expo hours are Friday, April 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $6 for children, and $5 for the BWe Teen Summit with promo code; weekend passes are available for $45. Tickets for The Black Women’s Expo can be purchased online at www.theblackwomensexpo.com . Half-priced, advanced adult tickets go on sale at participating Walgreens stores March 7. For information or tickets for the Phenomenal Woman Awards Reception, call 312-454-6100. Follow The Black Women’s Expo on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram using the hashtag #SheMatters.

About My Black is Beautiful

My Black is Beautiful is a community-building program consisting of over 2.6 million online community members, created to help positively change the conversation around black beauty by addressing the societal and cultural stigmas associated with self-image. Formed at Procter & Gamble in 2006 by a group of visionary women, MBIB was designed to spark a broader dialogue about black beauty. Their mission was to encourage Black women everywhere.

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