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It's hard to believe that another LA Black Business Expo has come and gone. This year's event was better than last year. I was so inspired by the many black business owners present. I attended on Saturday, September 22.

My sister Susan joined me for this year's Expo. She drove from Orange County, and I drove from Riverside County. The freeways were crowed due to inclement weather conditions; in other words "raining like cats and dogs." I arrived about two hours late and was a bit flustered. Upon my arrival at the Convention Center, I was stunned by the $12 parking fee. However, when I walked inside the Convention Center, I was immediately rejuvenated. Everyone smiled and greeted me as I made my way to the ticket booth. I purchased my ticket and headed up the escalator to the Expo.

I began looking for Susan who had arrived "on time." I found her in line at Shabazz Seafood Restaurant and Catering. Their customer service was excellent. We ordered the shrimp and catfish, which was absolutely delicious. When my sister looked the other way, I took one of her shrimp, but don't tell her, smile. After eating, we began our venture to meet, greet, and network.

We headed over to book section to find Charles L. Chatmon, Author. He was sitting among the authors of the "Black Writers On Tour" founded by Dr. Rosie Milligan, Milligan Books. I last saw Charles at the California Writers Collective Workshop back in January. I was ecstatic to see him again. Sitting near Charles was Pearl Jr., Author. I had networked with Pearl Jr. via email. It was definitely a pleasure to finally meet her.

As we continued our walk, we came upon the Louisiana to Los Angeles - Mardi Gras Festival booth. We met everyone, talked, took pictures, and even danced with them. They gave us Mardi Gras beads and invited us to be a part of the "Second Line," which is made up of fans and admirers of the "Main Line." The "Main Line" includes the actual members who are in the parade. My sister made sure that everyone at the booth was aware of the fact that Mardi Gras originated in "our hometown," Mobile, AL not New Orleans, LA, smile. Mardi Gras has always had a special place in my heart. I must say we had the most fun at their booth.

There were over 100 booths at this year's Expo. I enjoyed the Black Speakers Online booth, which featured speakers from all facets of business. I certainly made an effort to shake hands and exchange business cards with as many entrepreneurs as possible. It was an honor to meet everyone. A special hello to Lennell Jones, Black Chamber of Commerce, Da Big Preacha and Judy Bledsoe, Transfigured Enterprise, Lady Sunshine, Comedian, Christopher Coleman, FitJunkie, Sharron Winbush, Celebrity Nutritionist/Lifestyle Coach, Robert Marshall, Jr., Untouchables XII, Trooper Lennister K. Williams, Buffalo Soldiers, Jock Thomas, Triple J Services, and R. J. Reed, Black Inventors.

The entertainment was fantastic! I especially enjoyed the music by Ollie Woodson who was the lead singer of the Temptations from 1984-1996. He sang many of the Temptations famous hits including one of my favorite songs, "Treat Her Like A Lady." It was during Ollie's performance that I looked over and saw Keith Crenshaw, NJS West. It was truly an electrifying moment to see him again.

The West Coast "Coolture" Fashion Show was amazing and honored Michael Maddox, fashion show producer/runway instructor. It was introduced by Randy Ritchwood, 2005 Oxygen Network Mr. Romance and hosted by Wendy Raquel Robinson, Actress. This year's show was unique as it featured models from all categories including plus size and big/tall. Among the designers were Celes Harvey, FP Jeans, Ray Brown, Sweet Audrey, Sam Graham, J. Anthony Brown, Smooch, Redd Carter, G-Baby, and MYLA Collection.

Many of our Myspace.com friends and business associates came out to support this event. Wow...It was an incredible feeling to meet you.

To learn more about the LA Black Business Expo, please visit the website at www.blackbusinessexpo.com.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the next event! View Slide Show Pictures

Angel Avis >>>

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