The Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT) returned to McCormick Place in Chicago from August 2-4, featuring a star-studded lineup, insightful seminars, and a bustling marketplace (Photo Credit: Black Women’s Expo, Facebook).
In a spectacular return, the Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT) graced McCormick Place in Chicago from August 2-4, reaffirming its status as the premier event celebrating the strength, resilience and dynamism of Black women.
As the largest and longest-running expo of its kind in the nation, BWe NEXT once again delivered an inspiring and empowering experience to thousands of attendees.
A Stellar Lineup of Performances and Guest Speakers
This year’s expo featured an extraordinary lineup of celebrity guests and performers, including the incomparable Jenifer Lewis, soulful songstress Angie Stone, R&B artist K’Jon and gospel luminary VaShawn Mitchell. Their presence set the stage for a weekend filled with cultural enrichment and entertainment that captivated attendees.
Educational and Empowering Activations
Beyond the performances, BWe NEXT remained true to its mission of education and empowerment. The expo offered a diverse array of activations tailored to address the unique needs of Black women and their families.
Attendees benefited from topical seminars and general sessions led by esteemed experts, gaining invaluable insights and knowledge.
The show floor, boasting over 400 exhibitors, featured themed resource pavilions focusing on Health and Wellness, Food and Nutrition, Finance and Wealth Building and Entrepreneurship. The fashion and hair shows dazzled with the latest trends and innovations in style and beauty.
Sisters Show Up: Caring for Ourselves and Others
Sisters Show Up! panelists Dr. Paris Thomas, State Senator Mattie Hunter, Dr. Carol Adams, Marion Shuck, Debra Wesley and Darthula Young.
One of the standout sessions was “Sisters Show Up: Caring for Ourselves and Others,” presented by Dear Me Care Circle. The mission of Dear Me Care Circle is to empower caregivers to prioritize their own mental and physical health, ensuring they can provide the best care possible to their loved ones.
This dynamic panel addressed the urgent need for self-care, preventive care and caregiving, especially in light of the decline in women’s health outcomes since COVID-19. The session provided practical advice, resources and lessons on prioritizing health to better care for loved ones.
The event took place on Sunday, August 4, from 2-3:30 p.m. in Room N226 at McCormick Place. The panelists included Dr. Paris Thomas, Executive Director of Equal Hope; Mattie Hunter, Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois State Senate; Marion Shuck, EVP of Governmental Relations & External Affairs at Gift of Hope; Debra Wesley, Founder and President of Sinai Community Institute; and Darthula Young, Founder and President of Rooted in Dignity, Inc. The session was moderated by Dr. Carol Adams, Chief Community Engagement Officer at SIMPCO.
Ask the Doctors: A Special Session on Mental Health and Healing
Another key highlight was “Ask the Doctors: A Special Session on Mental Health and Healing,” aimed at equipping attendees with tools to improve their mental health and support those around them. The panel also addressed racial barriers in mental and behavioral healthcare, offering a holistic approach to mental well-being.
This vital panel discussion also took place on Sunday, from Noon – 1:30 p.m. at McCormick Place. The panelists included Twyler Jenkins, Founder and President of I Am That Woman Movement, who served as the moderator; Monica Gordon, Cook County Board of Commissioners; Dr. Ahmad R. Djangui, President and CEO of Bobby E. Wright Center; Detrail Dearbone, CEO and Founder of Dearbone Counseling Center, Inc.; and Dr. Vanessa Dereef from Metropolitan Peace Initiatives.
A Beacon of Inspiration
BWe NEXT highlighted the strength and resilience of Black women while offering them valuable resources and sisterhood (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington).
The theme for this year’s expo, “72 Hours in Chicago,” underscored the ambition of the organizers to create an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
By partnering with local businesses, organizations and tourism attractions, BWe NEXT showcased the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant community life of the Windy City.
With half-price tickets available at all Chicagoland Walgreens stores, the expo ensured that more women could partake in this enriching experience. For continuous updates on seminars, performances, and other event details, visitors were encouraged to check the official website at www.BWeNEXT.com.
In its grand return, the Black Women’s Expo not only reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone event for Black women but also as a vital contributor to the cultural and economic vitality of Chicago.
It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and boundless potential of Black women everywhere.
Here are some more photos from this spectacular weekend:
Queen Emoni at the Black Women’s Expo.
BWe Next was a weekend of celebration and empowerment (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington).
Alds. Ronnie L. Mosley and Lamont Robinson at the Black Women’s Expo (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington).
ComEd booth at the Black Women’s Expo.
Tiffany Blakemore of Vitamin T Fitness leads a fitness demonstration at BWe NEXT (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington),