As a longtime consultant and business development entrepreneur, who is also the Florida Black Excellence Fest creator, it’s imperative that I raise my voice with the push back against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
I couldn’t have predicted my journey of taking on the Florida Black Excellence Festival in 2019 after purchasing a dormant 17-year-old successful run event (under another name) from the founder. At the height of the event, about 10,000 people participated annually. But timing wasn’t on my side. Between hurricanes and the pandemic, we took a big hit with our first expo in October 2021.
Since then it’s been a labor of love and I’m looking forward to the upcoming June 25-28 event at Jacksonville Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.
The purpose of the Florida Black Excellence Festival is to promote economic development through increased exposure for minority-owned businesses. Whether it’s from a seminar, a workshop, a performance, or a connection — this is a cultural recharge that blends education, inspiration, and celebration.
African American-owned businesses can showcase their products and services. It is also an opportunity for major corporations and government entities to develop viable working relationships with minority-owned businesses while marketing their products and services to this growing consumer market.
The Black expo is a multi-faceted event that focuses particularly in areas like education, business and community development. While Black-owned businesses are at the center, the expo is family-friendly and it is for everyone.
Our event is among many Black Expo events nationwide. Each one is different highlighting various events and often national entertainers. Besides more than 100 booths from small businesses and community partners, ours offers events like a chef tasting contest, a golf event and a celebration of professionals under 40.
For decades, Black leaders have championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a means to correct systemic inequalities. The Trump administration recently moved to dismantle federal DEI programs, prompting strong opposition from Black leaders who have rushed to defend these initiatives.
A recent Federal Reserve report highlights a persistent issue: while the average White family’s wealth continues to grow exponentially, Black families remain systematically locked out of homeownership, high-paying jobs, and financial security. If DEI initiatives had truly been successful, Black economic empowerment would be a reality, not a topic still up for debate.
I believe that Black communities should concentrate on building generational wealth through business ownership, land acquisition, and economic self-sufficiency, rather than investing hope in the unfulfilled promises of DEI. Black expos are just one means of connecting people while having a good time.
President Donald Trump’s decision to gut DEI programs should not be seen as the death of Black opportunity—because DEI was never the solution in the first place.
While diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming means that companies and even universities are rethinking whether and how to commit to these ideals, one thing is certain: Individual cultures should be celebrated and supported.
Our event focuses on six columns of economic success: education, entrepreneurship, jobs, health, wealth creation, history and culture. We’ve given away over $25,000 in college scholarships and we’re just getting started.
We hope to see you at the Florida Black Excellence event: www.fbxfest.com
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