Philadelphia – The Be Expo presented by Radio One at the Pennsylvania Convention Center was a full day of encouragement, enrichment, education, motivation and entertainment. Beginning with a breakfast, Boom’s 30 Under 30, honored individuals under the age of 30 making an impact in the tri-state area. Some of the honorees included Danielle P. Jeter of Women In Media and AOI Events and PR, David Silver, Co-Founder of REC Philly, Antoinette Minor,

Kindred the Family Soul performing at the Expo. Photo courtesy of H. Michael Hammie

Young Professionals Consultant, and Mont Brown, President of the Kickback Foundation just to name a few. Each of these individuals have positively influenced people of all ages. For attendees that did not participate in the breakfast, the center was full of vendors from a variety of industries such as healthcare and social work with Bebashi Transition to Hope, education vendors such as Harcum College, delectable Goodway Bakery, haircare vendors Nate Jackson Hair Studio and Loc’s Sox, media outlets such as Interactive One and OnPoint Communications. Real Housewives of Atlanta’s own Cynthia Bailey joined the Be Expo and sat on the Hello Beautiful panel, discussing Being Unapologetic, a reflection of beauty in a range of ages.

In addition to the vendors there were numerous seminars that shared a wealth of knowledge. Some of the seminars held include Black Girl Magic: Navigating in The Workplace, where leading women’s organizations for young professionals discuss the challenges women face in today’s society. Following High Heels in High Places and Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Hustle offered encouragement, empowerment and motivation to attendees. During High Heels in High Places, panelist Kimberly King, Director, Ad Sales Marketing, Travel Channel and Greta American Country said “I am my best motivation”. Continuing to say she is even more motivated by challenges she wants to overcome.

Doug E. Fresh performing at the Expo. Photo courtesy of H. Michael Hammie

During the seminar Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Main Hustle, panelist Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown, Owner of OnPoint Communications stated, “Be intentional. You can’t compare yourself to what someone else is doing. And do it because it is something you really want to do.” She continued to say that mentors are life savers “. Meteorologist and Author Brittany Shipp added, “Launch it before it’s perfect”. These words of encouragement spoke to many of the women in the audience, as there were figuratively illuminated light bulbs over many of the heads in the audience.

The Be Expo did not stop short at providing education, the entertainment was hot too. Remy Ma took the stage for an early performance and brought the Melanin Magic. In addition, Kindred the Family Soul, Doug E. Fresh, Christopher Williams and Al B. Sure all hit the stage performing their hits for the crowd. As a melting pot of information and entertainment, the Be Expo 2018 was yet another exhibit of black excellence.