Columbia Black Expo celebrates 27 years with stars and cultural showcases

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — May 18, the 27th Annual Columbia Black Expo will take place in the Cantey & Goodman Building at the SC State Fairgrounds. The event promises a day of family-centered fun, featuring notable guests, enriching talks, cultural exhibitions, and a showcase of Black business excellence.

Visitors to the Expo can stop by the Optus Bank booth to receive a $15 Expo Buck, usable at any vendor booth during the event. Supplies of Expo Bucks are limited, so early arrival is recommended.

The event will feature a star-studded lineup, including Taye Diggs, Koryn Hawthorne, Darrin Henson, Titus Showers, and the cast of *All the Queen’s Men*—K. Swift, Masterpiece, and Eva Marcille. Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions, meet-and-greet opportunities, and a Black Wine and Spirits Tasting, celebrating Black tastemakers.

Event Schedule:

-10:00 AM: Expo Doors Open to the Public, Seminars Open

– 10:45 AM: Welcome & Greetings

– 11:00 AM: Eau Claire High School Band Performance

– 11:30 AM: Panel Discussion: Should African American Women Sue the Hair Relaxer Industry? Moderated by Tre Tailor

– 12:00 PM: Black Owned Wine & Spirit Tasting Opens

– 12:15 PM: Meet & Greet: Eva Marcille at Cumulus Radio

– 12:45 PM: Cooking Demo: Chef Carlos Brown & Omni Coffee Brands

– 1:30 PM: Gospel Artist Titus Showers Performance

– 1:45 PM: Fireside Chat with Eva Marcille and Taye Diggs

– 2:30 PM: Meet & Greet: Titus Showers at Praise Radio Station

– 2:45 PM: Fireside Chat with Darrin Henson: Life’s Teachable Moments

– 3:15 PM: Meet & Greet: Taye Diggs at WLTX News 19 Booth

– 3:45 PM: Meet & Greet: The Queen’s Men at Alpha Media Booth

– 4:00 PM: Gospel Artist Koryn Hawthorne Performance

– 4:45 PM: Meet & Greet: Koryn Hawthorne at WFMV

– 4:45 PM: Greek Awards

Ticket Information:

– $40: Wine Garden (includes access to Expo)

– $15: Expo, individuals ages 13 and older

– $10: Expo, kids ages 6 to 12

– Free: Expo, kids ages 5 and under

– Parking: $5 (cards preferred)

Tickets can be purchased online at eventpasshero.com/event/blackexpocola/

The mission of the Black Expo is to promote economic development through increased exposure for minority-owned businesses. It provides a platform for African-American owned businesses to showcase their products and services to the public and procurement officers from major corporations and government entities. The Expo also serves to educate, enlighten, and inspire the entire community, with a focus on economic empowerment and cultural enrichment.

The purpose of the Economic Empowerment Weekend is to provide a platform to educate, enlighten, and empower the community. The event will highlight five pillars of economic growth: Education, Health, Jobs, Entrepreneurship, and Wealth Creation. These pillars are critical to the economic growth of the community and the state.

Join us for a day of inspiration, networking, and celebration of Black excellence.