Keeana Barber, founder of WDB Marketing, hosts The 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend in Chicago, March 14-16, which celebrates Black entrepreneurship (Photo Credit: Photography By Coy)
The 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. (Leadership, Education, Growth, Advocacy, Community, and Youth) Awards Weekend is set to return from March 14-16, bringing together over 1,000 Black-owned businesses for three days of networking, education, and celebration. Hosted by WDB Marketing and its nonprofit arm, WDB Cares, the event aims to spotlight Black entrepreneurship, offering financial support and resources for emerging business leaders.
The highlight of the weekend is the WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala on March 15, where distinguished entrepreneurs will be honored for their contributions to the business community. The event will also feature a showcase of 15 Black-owned restaurants and the presentation of the WDB Cares Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which comes with $25,000 in cash and prizes.
A Weekend Dedicated to Black Entrepreneurship
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The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend provides an opportunity for Black business owners—from small mom-and-pop shops to larger enterprises—to exchange ideas, gain insights from industry leaders, and build valuable connections. The weekend’s events include:
- Friday, March 14 – L.E.G.A.C.Y. Talk Business Mixer
An exclusive networking event featuring esteemed panelists, honorees, and a diverse array of businesses. This year’s keynote speaker is Aisha “Pinky” Cole, founder of The Slutty Vegan, one of the fastest-growing vegan restaurant chains in the country. - Saturday, March 15 – 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala
Taking place at 433 W Van Buren St. from 6 p.m. to midnight, the gala will honor a lineup of influential entrepreneurs, including:- George Daniels – Legendary entrepreneur (Leadership Award)
- Trez Pugh – Owner of Sip & Savor (Community Award)
- Myitii Sengstacke – The Bud Billiken Parade (Family L.E.G.A.C.Y. Award)
- HRM Togbi Nyaho Tamakloe VI – Visionary Leader, Anlo Kingdom, Ghana
- Dr. Aleta “Englewood Barbie” Clark – Advocacy Award
- Trez Pugh – Honored again for his contributions to community development
- Tammera Holmes (posthumous) – Founder of Aerostars, an organization that has helped over 150 Black youth enter the field of aviation
- The evening will also include the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award presentation, providing a rising business leader with a significant financial boost.
- Sunday, March 16 – Closing Brunch
A reflective and relaxing conclusion to the weekend, offering guests a chance to reconnect and recharge after two days of networking and celebration.
WDB Cares: Investing in the Next Generation
WDB Cares, the nonprofit behind the event, is dedicated to fostering economic development in minority communities. Its initiatives include grant programs that provide funding for startup costs, business expansion, and operational support. The organization also offers educational workshops covering key business topics such as marketing strategies, financial management, and access to capital.
About WDB Marketing
Founded in 2006, WDB Marketing is a full-service marketing and printing company and the first African-American-owned full-service printing manufacturer in the South Suburbs. The company has served over 5,000 businesses across various industries, offering services in graphic design, brand management, marketing solutions, and in-house printing.
For more information about the 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend, including ticket details and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award submissions, visit https://www.legacyawardsweekend.com.