What to expect at the 19th annual Columbia Black Expo

Darrin Thomas, president of the Thomas Media Group, said he and then-partner Gerry McCants started the Black Expo in response to feedback from Black Pages USA customers and business owners who wanted more opportunities to reach consumers and connect with other businesses.

“The concept is not something new,” Thomas said. “We had observed other black expos around the country and realized that they could serve two purposes: it could be the catalyst for economic growth for small businesses with that sort of direct exposure and it could serve as a forum for cultural awareness in other entities in the community.”

Each year the expo has been a resounding success, with the past five years seeing an average of 16,000 attendees.

Its formula for success includes guest speakers and musicians – including some big names – along with workshops, vendors, food and other activities.

The board that oversees the expo is active in every aspect, paying close attention to the celebrities invited each year, Thomas said.

“We look at people who are either germane to the market or really resonate with our audience,” he said. “Seventy percent of the attendees of Black Expo are females, so what we’ve learned is that when we have family oriented things or things that appeal to African-American professional women, that really helps to draw deeper into a strong part of our attendance base.

“So having Quvenzhané Wallis, the young lady who starred in the remake of ‘Annie,’ this year is huge for us,” he added.

Among other notable names scheduled for this year’s event are recording artist and activist David Banner, gospel recording artist Jonathan Nelson, actor and TV personality Terrance J and R&B recording artist Keke Wyatt.

In addition to a fresh crop of celebs and a new venue, attendees can look forward to the return of the popular woman’s health spa and for the first time in 15 years, a national traveling exhibit, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Buffalo soldiers.

Thomas said the African-American military history exhibit has information on the Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers, Montford Point Marines and the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, a woman’s postal battalion that fought off a regiment of German soldiers.

“These are stories we never knew,” he added. “If you’re a history buff and have an appreciation for our men and women in uniform this is something you’re going to really enjoy.”

The expo also includes events during the week leading up to Saturday’s main event. A neo-soul cafe, charity golf tournament and the popular Taste of Black Columbia – on Friday, May 20 – are among the other activities.

“There was no vehicle for African-American chefs, caterers or restaurants to really sample or promote their business so we created this event,” Thomas said of Friday’s Taste of Black Columbia event. “It’s a fun way for people to sample food from these chefs and caterers. Its been a huge success.”

THE VIBE: The family oriented event is designed to accommodate and appeal to anyone who wants to attend. In fact, Thomas said the main reason for the move from Colonial Life to the Columbia Metropolitian Convention Center was to better accommodate elderly attendees, strollers and toddlers.

“One of the things that we have to continue to reiterate is although it’s called the Black Expo, we’re really speaking to black as a culture and not simply, race. The Black Expo is for everyone,” Thomas said.

THE VERDICT: For a fair price you get access to an all-day event that includes celebrity speakers, entertainment, food and free swag. What makes this expo so appealing is that they evaluate each year and take action to make improvements. No matter your race, everyone can learn something by taking part. Your attendance helps drive home an important message: black expos matter.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 6:48 PM.