The Stockton Black Expo has something for everyone. The weekend of events will feature tribute to church first ladies.
From the very beginning on Friday March 5 until the end, Sunday March 7, theentire city will enjoy live entertainment, celebrate the glory of Church leaders and people may even enter the collard green eating contest (if they dare).
All of this and more will be part of the second annual Stockton Big Valley Black Expo, at the Stockton Fairgrounds hosted by the Community Resource Group this weekend. Organizers have billed the Expo as “something for everyone” and judging by the weekend itinerary the event will not disappoint. See the full schedule of events >>read more.
“We are excited about the growing steps the Black Expo is taking. This is a citywide event that will bring opportunities for everyone on an equal basis in a variety of ways, honor the great leaders, the heritage and deliver all of this while having fun for the whole family,” said Rick Warren, president and founder.
The Church has always been the backbone of the African American community and this year’s Expo will reflect that by recognizing Church “First Ladies,” who are doing remarkable things in their congregations and communities.
“Our Ladies Of Victory Everlasting (LOVE) honorees include Pastor Trena Turner of Victory In Praise; Mary Clayton of New Life Worship Center; Yvette Stafford of Greater Harvest COGIC; Vanessa Saffold from Greater Maranatha COGIC; Katherine Haley of Unity Southern Baptist Church; Erma Peterson of White Rose COGIC and Dollye Dockery of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. Each of these phenomenal women has stood by the mission of their husbands who are the Church Pastors, and served God with all their heart,” Warren said.
The Black Expo is a collaborative effort of the Stockton Branch of the NAACP; the Stockton Black Chamber of Commerce; the Bay Valley Corvette Club; and the Tracy African American Association and the Stockton Arts and Culture Center. According to Warren this is important to achieve the mission of Black Expo.
“We must open the doors of opportunity. This will happen through education, business, careers, health, and wealth. All of these opportunities will be on display at Black Expo,” he said.
In the midst of all the information exhibits will be the recognition of great leaders. They have organized the Ralph White Young Leaders of Tomorrow Awards; and the John “Woody” Williams Stockton Icon Awards.
This year’s Stockton Icon honorees are: Dorothy Jones; Dr. Lynette Hart; Floyd Weaver; and Mae Hill.
For the fun of it, the Black Expo will host the “Dating Game,” the Ah So Chic Fashion Show; the “I Got Soul Sangin” Competition; the African American Authors and Writers Book Faire; the Black College Expo; the Soul Food Cook-Off and numerous workshops and informative seminars.
Our main efforts are on education so that our children and graduate from high school and college, and on homeownership so that we can help with foreclosures, and the home buying process,” Warren pointed out.
By the end of the weekend you can be sure that you will have learned how to be successful in business, maybe even gotten a home loan or a new job to go along with your health check-up. But one thing the Stockton Black Expo is sure you will have this weekend is fun.
