Local rappers, Eric Benet on the mainstage
The 15th Annual Missouri Black Expo will return to the America’s Center in downtown St. Louis, August 4 through 6. Its theme for 2006: “Building Our Community, Mind, Body and Soul.”
The Missouri Black Expo will kick off Friday morning, August 4, with the Multi-Cultural Job Fair. Employers from major corporations such as Anheuser-Busch, Home Depot and Edward Jones will be on hand awaiting resumes from those serious about expanding their career horizons. Up to 75 additional corporations will also participate in the job fair.
On Friday evening, August 4, the Black Expo will throw a black-tie Community Benefit Gala at the AG Edwards Learning Center. The Paula J. Carter Foundation and 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis – both non-for-profit organizations, founded on the premise of building strong economic, social, educational, and community ties within the African-American community – will be honored with a $2,000 grant for their work. Also, selected students entering college during the 2006-2007 school year will be awarded scholarships. The event will feature a jazz set by Roy Ayers. Dinner reception will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner program following promptly at 7 p.m.
This year’s 1.3 mile Prostate Cancer Survivor’s Walk, presented by 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri, will take place on Saturday morning, August 5. The 2006 walk strives to beat last year’s record of 7,000 registered walkers.
“Over the past three years, the Prostate Cancer Survivor’s & Awareness Walk has screened hundreds of men, and unfortunately over 20 percent of them have had some type of prostate abnormality,” says Tom Bailey, president of the Missouri Black Expo.
“In most cases, they were surprised to find out they needed additional consultation and treatment. It is the 100 Black Men’s opinion that this type of program is a catalyst in saving lives.”
The walk begins at Aloe Plaza, located in front of the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri building, and ends at the America’s Center. Registration begins at 7 a.m., warm-up follows at 8 a.m. and walk begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.
From 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, August 5, University of Missouri-St. Louis will present “Black America Today: A Panel Discussion.” The discussion will include the Reverend Joseph Echols Lowery, who co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., former Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr., radio host Lizz Brown, KTVI Fox 2 reporter Bonita Cornute, Dr. Lynn Beckwith and Alderman Michael McMillan. The theme: “Creating access through education, politics, health, entertainment and economic development.”
On Saturday, August 5, the 2006 MBE Main Stage Music Fest opens with a trio of local rappers: Murphy Lee, Potzee (whose single “Dat Girl” is in heavy rotation) and Penelope.
Eric Benet will make a sultry appearance on the MBE Main Stage on Sunday, August 6. He’ll be appealing to the “grown and sexy,” performing his latest hit “Pretty Baby” off his new album, Hurricane.
Also on Sunday, August 6, under the leadership of Pastor Ronald Bobo, Westside Missionary Baptist Church will present a worship service on the MBE main stage. The MBE City-Wide Church Service will start promptly at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 11 a.m. Admission is free.
Also that weekend, the Missouri Black Expo will presents its GEAR UP Summit, a program about parental involvement in children’s education. It will feature a celebrity discussion panel that includes a group of local rap celebrities – Chingy, Ebony Eyez and Potzee – along with BET comedian, Lavelle Crawford. Panelists will be seated alongside their parents or significant role model that played instrumental roles in their success.
MBE General Admission is $8, free for children ages 6 and under. The MBE Music Fest is included in the ticket price. For more information, contact the Missouri Black Expo at (314) 361-5772.
