The Macon Coliseum was the place to be for black business owners in central Georgia as the home of the 2nd Annual Central Georgia Black Business & Community Expo powered by the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses and the Macon Middle Georgia Black Pages. The day-long event took place on September 21st, 2024 from 10 am to 6 pm. Building off the success of its inaugural event in 2023, the 2nd Annual Black Business & Community Expo was a star studded day of spreading positivity, affirmation and a wealth of knowledge to Black business owners. This was a truly unifying event for Central Georgia. Continuing its theme of “Together we Rise” the expo not only provided a way for Black businesses to connect with their communities but also through the various panels with different celebrity speakers & moderators and breakout rooms that provided an area for learning & networking for the Macon community. Coupled with our various lively hosts for the day that included: Fiona King (Reporter from 41 NBC News), Harold Young (On Air Personality on Praise 99.7, Executive Director of the Tubman Museum), Mama Mia (National Black Radio Hall of Fame Inductee, iHeartRadio) and Derrick Chatman (National Black Radio Hall of Fame Inductee) kept the good times rolling along w/ DJ Robert the Jammer and live performances by: Morgan Janay (Singer Songwriter), Jamil (Hip Hop Lyricist) and a special headlining performance by the legendary Pastor Troy (National Recording Artist, Georgia Native & the Official Brand Ambassador for the Atlanta Falcons).
One of the main goals of this year’s expo was to show how coming together can lead to immense growth within Black communities. “This event is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of our community’s strength, resilience, and potential. We look forward to bringing people together to learn, network, and grow.” said Alex Habersham, Founder & Publisher of Macon Middle Georgia Black Pages & Founder of the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses.
All new for this year, the 2nd Annual Black Business & Community Expo provided (3) impactful panels throughout the day on the mainstage for maximum impact for attendees including:
“The Intersection of Government, Education Corporate & Entrepreneurship” with Celebrity Guest Moderator: Ash Cash (Personal Finance Expert, 5x Best Selling Author, Host of “Inside the Vault w/ Ash Cash” on the Earn Your Leisure Youtube Channel) featuring panelists: Larhonda Patrick (Mayor of Warner Robbins), Charise Stephens Merriweather (Director of Macon Bibb Office of Small Business Affairs/President of CGCBB), Carl Tims (Chief Operating Officer United Way), Dr. Cassandra Washington (Director of Hutchings College & Career Academy), and ShaGraila Hammond (Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce).
“Mental Health Matters: Do You Know What’s On Your Mind?”, with moderator: Brittney Brisco (MBA, M.S.ED, CSC, Executive Director of CGCBB, Beyond Now Coaching) featuring panelists: Quintessa Hardy (LAPC, NCC, CGCBB Board Member), Lisa Ibekwe (LCSW, LICSW, CAMSII / CEO, The Comfy Place), Stacey Phillips (M.S., LPC / Clasped Hands Counseling).
Followed by the crowd rousing, “Real Estate & Reality TV” panel with moderator: Ceirra Johnson (Say Yes to the Address Realty) featuring celebrity panelists: Marsau Scott (Love & Marriage Huntsville on OWN, Scholt Industries, Blaque Bottle Champagne), Latisha Scott (Love & Marriage Huntsville on OWN, Scott Realty Co, Mommy Business Podcast), and Jimmy Jones (Star of Ready to Love on OWN, Atlanta’s Top Real Estate Listing Agent, Inspirational Trap Artist).
This year the Central Georgia Black Business and Community Expo also featured an award ceremony where we awarded five honorees with awards in honor of some of Central Georgia’s most notable figures. Sylvia McGee (Veteran Educator and Community Leader) was awarded the Ruth Hartley Mosley Community Impact Award. C. Jack Ellis (The first African American Mayor of Macon) was awarded the Jefferson Franklin Long Government Impact Award. Anthony Howard (Serial Entrepreneur & World Traveling Musician) was awarded the Albert Billingslea Business Impact Award. Derrick “DC” Chatman & Shirley “Mama Mia” Ellis have both been recently inducted into the (National Black Radio Hall of Fame) and were both awarded the Black Pages Media Maven Award.
Attendees of the expo also had access to different breakout rooms that hosted conversations on various topics. During the expo attendees got to experience a technology space which featured discussions on AI and displays of emerging technologies. Powered by Georgia AIM & Macon Black Tech, the space was enjoyed by many attendees who specifically enjoyed the robot dog that was on display. Overall the 2nd Annual Central Georgia Black Business & Community Expo definitely went up to higher heights than the inaugural expo and we look forward to doing it again next year.
