The 2nd Annual Juneteenth Business Expo will be held outside in The Historic Deuces in St. Petersburg, (9th Ave S -Fairfield & 22nd Street) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.
The event will include Black-owned vendors from various industries, educational and kid-friendly activities, a journey of Black music and artistic entertainment, and food trucks – all designed for the whole family.
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Juneteenth Business Expo features a panel of local entrepreneurs
One of the key happenings during the Juneteenth Business Expo is the panel, “The Blackest Dollar Presented By Lynda Elle Public Relations” will happen from 1 – 1:30 p.m. and will include:
· Rochelle Graham – co-owner of Alikay Naturals.
· Ulish Booker – Super Bowl NFL Champion, Pittsburg Steelers and owner of Spartan Global Network.
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· Keysha Jillian – owner of K. Jillian Designs.
· Khaliaa McDuffie – co-owner of 7th and Grove
· Max Thuriere – co-owner of Copa Lounge
This panel will be moderated by Ashli Doss of ABC Newschannel 20.
Creating an unforgettable experience in the Deuces
“Brandi and I have created an unforgettable experience that brings together African-American businesses to network, sell, and showcase their local and global brands,” said Melissa Gardner, owner of Three Generations Food Truck. “The celebration of Juneteenth creates a cultivating experience of love, laughter, unity, and most of all, the rotation of the Black dollar in our communities.”
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, 2021, is the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, the last of the former Confederate states to abolish slavery, finally heard that the Civil War had ended, and learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had made them free nearly two years earlier.
“All of us at BD Mortgage Group are extremely pleased to lend our support to The Juneteenth Business Expo to help fund this powerful cause,” said Blair Damon, president, and founder of BD Mortgage Group LLC. “In the same way educating people about the home buying process and helping them through home purchase is vital to my community, so is an event that supports Black entrepreneurship. Collaborating with Brandi and Melissa is a representation of the unlimited opportunities Black-owned businesses have to partner and uplift our community.”
Visitors will also be right next to the newly opened 22 South Food Hall featuring amazing concepts such as Irie Mon, Ray’s Vegan Soul, and Threen Generations.
The Black Excellence Quest in St. Pete
To add excitement to the day, The Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete have created the Black Excellence Quest.
“Join the Black Excellence Quest for residents of all ages to explore historical sites throughout the city of St. Petersburg and to learn about this city’s rich African American culture,” wrote representatives from the Foundations in the event announcement. “Participants will have an opportunity to share their stories and win free Juneteenth swag at six secret locations throughout St. Petersburg.”
Those interested in registering can do so online.
Thanks to BD Mortgage Group LLC for sponsoring the event, and Malynda Washington Lynda Elle Public Relations for keeping us informed on what’s happening in the Sunshine City.
A Juneteenth Exhibit is planned for The James Museum too in partnership with the Dr. Carter G Woodson African American Museum.
Later that Saturday The Factory will host a Juneteenth Jubilee featuring black factory artists, in addition to live music, performances, food, vendors and more.
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