The Black Expo of Networking, Knowledge and Empowerment
|
Posted By: William Jackson on December 23, 2016 The Black Expo of Networking, Knowledge and Empowerment This blog is independently written by #MyQuestToTeach The information is strictly the opinion of its writer. William Jackson, M.Ed. CVO My Quest To Teach @wmjackson Twitter Contributions are provided by: Elisha Taylor student at Duval County Public Schools and speaker with TEDxFSCJ Salon Young lady name not provided Deyona Burton student in Duval County Public Schools Community Activist Taylor Richardson student at The Bolles School Literacy Advocate and Aspiring Astronaut Jon Gregory Edward Waters College Student Graduate of Bolles High School Speaker at TEDxFSCJ and EdCamp NABSE The Black Expo provides a wonderful opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, performers and even youth, teens and young adults to show the community what they are about. How they can better engage and participate in making the community better for everyone in the areas of business, commerce, investments and building needed collaborations. Networking is a learned experience that youth, teens and young adults need to understand now at a young age to prepare them for future business, civic and community collaborations and projects. Many have a business dream, but do not have access to the resources that allow the dream to come into fruition. The mental spark is there, but the kindling needs to be provided to build the fire of production so it starts to burn hot and bright. Leading to a viable and strong business that contributes to the community. Each year the Black Expo embraces, recognizes and awards business owners, visionaries, entrepreneurs, innovators, and smart creatives. Their passions that drive them are inspiring and lead to continued opportunities to hire and mentor others with the same interests. Even in business it takes a village because the village will buy, barter, and have access to the services the business provides. Building that business because the relationship is based on trust, respect and the accountability of providing a service and need for the community. Many that attend the Black Expo, from our observations are looking for that spark of inspiration, that opportunity to gain the knowledge that will allow them to follow their dreams and to help their business. Potentially hiring new people, providing educational training and financing investments to the community. Small business is the glue that bonds communities and allows for re-investments. Technology has allowed many to connect with each other and build a network of clients and partnerships. The statements that many are starting to embrace is, “don’t look at your business competitor as competition, but an opportunity for collaboration.” In order for businesses to be recognized, Social Media is not the end all and be all, it contributes, but nothing beats meeting and greeting people with a handshake and a smile. Sharing information and "word of mouth" alliances. As an Educational Technology and Social Media instructor at Edward Waters College, it is a requirement for my students to blog about their interests, passions, abilities and skills. Building their Brand and understanding how important a digital presence is, but more important building relationships in the community. Volunteering, mentoring and helping outside of the business brings exposure and respect to the business. As I talk to youth, teens and young adults at local and national conferences it is valuable because the information they gain is relevant and can be applied to their goals. Youth, teens and young adults that have a business mind set must be taught things that are relevant to them for the now and how it influences their future. The Black Expo is a part of the building process to put people together, a platform where handshakes are exchanged, business cards are flowing and smiles are shared. Before many do business they establish a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. The business package starts with building of relationships, having a solid Brand and knowing your Niche. Developing a Marketing strategy that is a living document with multifaceted avenues to provide streams of revenue not just from one source, but dynamically creating a continuous path to making money, and just as importantly re-energizing the community with investments in people. The desire to gain business power should never be the priority over humanity. It is the people that are the ones that will help build a business or allow that business to wither away. The youth, teens and young adults attending should be embraced, mentored and provided role models so they can achieve their dreams as future business owners. Too many times there are gaps in education, political influence, economic stability, diversity in commerce and generational wealth is lacking. Venues like the Black Expo are proved as viable, solid and productive Black businesses that are influencing the community in positive ways and showing each generation of youth that they do have alternatives to potentially dangerous and illegal activities. There is life in following positive people doing positive things through education, hard work, networking, technology and investments. Support Black Businesses because these Black businesses support the communities they are established in, by providing needed tax revenue, mentors, role models and job opportunities. Resources: 15th Annual Florida Black Expo https://www.facebook.com/BlackExpoSouth/ Accounting and Financial Womens Alliance https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afwa-winter-t... 30th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-m... Women In Insurance and Financial Services https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northeast-flo... Sun Entertainment http://suncityentertainment.com/florida-bl... Black Expo South http://blackexposouth.com/ Florida Black Expo http://blackexposouth.com/florida-black-ex... My Quest to Teach http://myquesttoteach.wordpress.com/ Business Training and Collaboration http://www.e3businessgroup.us/ 1st Annual Community Film Festival Daytona Beach, Florida FreshBookFestivals@gmail.com (386) 627-4353 If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
William Jackson
Educational Technology and Social Media Instructor, Edward Waters College South Carolina State University class of 1985 Member Since September 2008 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
What does “verified” mean on an Airbnb account?On an Airbnb account, “verified” means that Airbnb has confirmed the identity or information of the user. This can include:
Email verification – confirming your email address.
Phone number verif ...more
Harry Canee • 57 Views • February 3rd, 2026 |
 |
2026 honors and Deans ListHonored to be recognized on the 2026 Honors List and Dean’s List. Grateful for the journey and excited to keep pushing forward ...more
Camren Caldwell • 55 Views • February 2nd, 2026 |
 |
2026 honors and Deans ListHonored to be recognized on the 2026 Honors List and Dean’s List. Grateful for the journey and excited to keep pushing forward ...more
Camren Caldwell • 61 Views • February 2nd, 2026 |
 |
Who’s cafeteria has the best H2oHow many times do I simply request agua from the Cafe
My beverage of choice in college had to be fruitopiA
Water from the fountain YES
Shower water NO
Figi Water https://share.google/t2Hrz1rpg9 ...more
How May I Help You NC • 66 Views • February 1st, 2026 |
 |
S.P.I.T. Spoken Poets InTellectualizing™ Honoring Nikki! -Call for Submissions-S.P.I.T. Spoken Poets InTellectualizing™ Honoring Nikki!
-Call for Submissions-
Gumbo for the Soul Publications is in the process of developing our first “strictly poetry” publication by the vision ...more
Beverly Johnson • 61 Views • February 1st, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,795,385 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,107 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,500 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,398 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
