In the midst of hurricane Matthew’s wrath, Black Expo 2016 had to be rescheduled to last weekend. Hundreds of Duval county residents showed up to the annual confab to peruse vendor booths, complementary tastings, local bands, fashion shows and seminars.
Corporations and small businesses highlighted their wares and brochures in the midst of health screenings and workshops.
This year’s celebrity guest were rapper, record producer, actor and activist David Banner and performer Demetria McKinney, known for her work as Janine Shelton–Payne on the TBS comedy sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. The previously advertised Naturi Naughton from the hit show Power was a no show.
Preceding the Black Expo was the highly celebrated Black Expo Top 20 under 40 awards ceremony held at the Ritz Theater. The event recognizes and honors those under 40 who have achieved personal and professional success in tandem with community service. 2017 winners include: Sebastian Alexander, Dr. Tekeia Anthony, Lauren Atwaters, 1LT.Aaron Brown, ESQ., Sherrod Brown, Douglas Bryant Jr., Jaya Dillard, Corey Duval, Kemal Gasper. Renata Hannans, Leslie Harris, Rev J. Brandice Jones-Presley, Christopher Louise Macklin, Darren Mason, Christa Merix, Marques L. Reynolds, Shawana Richardson, Jasmine Romaine, Ale’ta Turner and Marques Wilkes. For more visit www.blackpagessouth.com. David Banner with 101.5 Black Expo VIP Winner Debra Cotton and Black Expo Top 20 under 40 winner Ale’ta Turner.
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