Celebrating Entrepreneurship, Education & Unity within the African-American
Community
DETROIT, June 18 -- "Power in the Black Dollar" was the
theme at the 2008 International Detroit Black Expo, (IDBE), Buy Black
Weekend II, and with it brought a positive influence and harmony that
flowed through downtown Detroit, June 6 - 8. From the educational
experience to the entertainment highlights, the expo was an exciting,
powerful event that included something for everyone.
Opening each day with a vivid exhibit hall that featured over 500
black-owned businesses, the crowd of an estimated 52,000 was witness to the
largest African-American consumer expo in the country. On Friday, Mayor
Kwame Kilpatrick gave welcome and throughout the weekend there were
numerous seminars from various national dignitaries, including Dr. Dennis
Kimbro, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu and Dr. Leonard Jefferies.
Not only was there excitement during the day from the exhibits, over
100 workshops and speakers, but festivities also continued after-hours with
entertainment and parties. The Black Awards Gala at the Sheraton featured
dinner, live music and a surprise celebrity appearance from Ernest Thomas,
"Raj" from the hit sitcom, "What's Happening." On Sunday night, the crowd
gathered at the finale as John Salley headlined the party at Amnesia inside
Motor City Casino with the Paul Jenkins Jr. Foundation.
With a 1.8 million dollar economic impact, Buy Black Weekend II was a
huge success in providing resources, education and networking
opportunities. "We are extremely excited to have hosted the 2nd Annual Buy
Black Weekend," said Ken Harris, IDBE Founder & CEO. "The 2009
International Detroit Black Expo, June 5 - 7, will surely be just as
impactful and substantive for all aspiring entrepreneurs and businesses
looking to compete in the global economy."
Please contact the IDBE office at (313) 309-3215 or
http://www.DetroitBlackExpo.com for more details, to obtain vendor, sponsorship
and/or media information.
The International Detroit Black Expo, Inc (IDBE), is a 501 (c)(3)
tax-exempt not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to cultivate
prosperity among African-American businesses and organizations through
cultural, entrepreneurial, social, educational and business opportunities
that will further enhance the quality of life for the City of Detroit and
surrounding communities, while bridging those who choose access to the
global marketplace.
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