Turning 18 is a milestone – actually a symbol of the ultimate graduation from childhood.
There is a new freedom, but more than that, there is a new level of responsibility and expectations with respect to maturity that comes with being legally declared an adult.
As he gears up for The 18th annual Missouri Black Expo (MBE), President Tom Bailey hopes to create a similar transition in those who attend next week’s festivities and events at America’s Center.
This year’s theme is “Missouri Black Expo, The Power to Change.”
“We wanted to underscore the change in our country,” Tom Bailey said. “There’s been change in the White House. We wanted to show that we still have the power to change in our lives.”
Presented by Wal-Mart, this year’s “Black Expo” will take place on August 22 – 23. The action-packed weekend will include many activities, such as a fashion show, boxing tournament, multiple concerts, informational booths, a college fair and celebrities in music, literature and politics. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people will be present both days.
On August 21, MBE is hosting their Multicultural Career Fair at the America’s Center and an MBE kick-off party at Club EXO.
The official beginning of the expo is marked by the 7th annual Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk in association with 100 Black Men of St. Louis at Kiener Plaza, where registration begins at 7 a.m.
“In its first year the walk made $8,000. Last year the walk raised $20,000. This year our goal is to raise $50,000,”Bailey said.
Proceeds from the walk are donated to support an organization that does research for men’s health – specifically prostate cancer.
Participants walk two miles to the America’s Center where they are admitted to the expo free of charge. Once at The Expo, men over 30 can receive a free blood test administered by the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center.
But the Missouri Black Expo is in it for more than just your health. The event returns with a host of comprehensive activities to educate, uplift and nurture the growing seeds of greatness that lie within the community.
Targeting high school juniors, the annual Gear-Up Student-Parent Leadership Summit illustrates the importance of preparing for college. Panelists include actress Victoria Rowell, rapper Jibbs and his father, and rapper Shorty da Kid and his parents.
“The goal of the Summit is to foster parental involvement in children’s education,” Bailey said.
In addition, a staple event within the empowering lineup of the Missouri Black Expo over the years has been the Black America Today Power Panel discussion, featuring Donna Brazile, director of Al Gore’s presidential campaign in 2000 and the first African American to direct a presidential campaign. Brazile often serves as a political commentator on CNN, ABC News, and more.
“What we want people to do is have an opportunity to improve their lives,” Bailey said.
A Literary Corner will take place featuring New York Times bestselling author Terry McMillan – who will hold a book signing and speak at The Black Expo – as well.
Other events include the annual health fair, a school supply giveaway, the opening and semi-final rounds of the boxing tournament, a youth concert featuring Yung Ro, Joka, Shorty da Kid and Jibbs, an Old-School Hip-Hop concert with the Sugar Hill Gang and MC Lyte, and the Icon Fashion Show with the Russell Simmons, Norma Kamali, and Keke Palmer collections.
On Sunday, August 23, the day begins with the City-Wide church service organized by the Trinity Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church led by Pastor Charles Roach.
A faith based afternoon continues with an MBE Gospel Choir Explosion, presented by How Sweet the Sound gospel competition. Local choirs will be featured as well as a concert starring Dorinda Clark-Cole, the lead singer of the gospel group The Clark Sisters.
One of largest attractions for this year’s expo will be R&B artist Kem, who will close out the Expo in grand fashion with concert beginning at 6 p.m.
The 18th Annual Missouri Black Expo will take place on Aug 22- Aug. 23 at America’s Center. For more information visit www.missouriblackexpo.com.
