Black Women’s Expo 2026: A Celebration of Community, Conversation & Black Excellence
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
Black Women’s Expo 2026: A Celebration of Community, Conversation & Culture
For more than 30 years, the Black Women’s Expo has created a space where entrepreneurship, culture, wellness, education, and community intersect. Founded by Merry Green, the expo has grown into one of the country’s most recognized celebrations of Black women, providing a platform where businesses, leaders, creators, and change-makers can connect and thrive.
The 2026 Black Women’s Expo returned to Chicago’s McCormick Place for three impactful days of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.
Culture Loft was proud to experience this year’s expo through the stories, conversations, and moments that stood out, from entrepreneurs showcasing their brands to powerful discussions centered around health, success, and legacy.
A Marketplace Filled with Black-Owned Businesses
One of the most exciting parts of the expo was walking through the vendor marketplace, where entrepreneurs proudly showcased their brands to thousands of attendees.
From beauty and skincare companies to lifestyle brands, fashion, wellness products, and unique services, the marketplace reflected the creativity, innovation, and determination happening within our communities.
Throughout the expo, we met business owners who are building brands with intention, purpose, and passion. Their stories deserve to be seen just as much as their products.
The opportunity to create visibility for these entrepreneurs reflects the original spirit of the Black Women’s Expo, creating a space where Black businesses can be supported, celebrated, and connected with new audiences.
Some of the Featured Vendors
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
The Book Lounge: Stories That Deserve Shelf Space
The Book Lounge created a welcoming destination for readers to discover new voices and purchase books directly from authors.
It served as a reminder that Black stories continue to educate, inspire, preserve history, and shape future generations.
Through books, conversations, and personal connections, authors had the opportunity to share their work while attendees discovered stories that reflected different experiences, perspectives, and journeys.
A Few Featured Authors
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
Conversations That Matter
Beyond shopping and networking, the Black Women’s Expo offered meaningful discussions designed to educate, inform, and empower attendees.
One panel brought together healthcare professionals who addressed important health topics affecting women, encouraging attendees to prioritize wellness, ask questions, and advocate for their own healthcare.
Panel: Dr. Christy Russell and Lynn St. Victor-Lockett MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
Another inspiring discussion focused on entrepreneurship, where industry experts shared honest insights about building successful businesses, overcoming obstacles, and creating opportunities.
Panel: Kendra Chapman-Davis, Michelle Hayes, and Catrice Armstrong
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
These conversations reinforced that success is not simply about reaching a destination, it is about resilience, learning, growth, and having access to the right resources and support.
Keke Palmer Takes the Main Stage
One of the day’s biggest highlights was seeing actress, entrepreneur, and entertainer Keke Palmer take the main stage for a live conversation moderated by Keke Hampton of WGCI Radio.
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
The discussion blended humor, authenticity, and encouragement as Palmer reflected on her career, personal growth, and navigating success while remaining true to herself.
Known for her ability to connect with audiences, Palmer shared a message of confidence, evolution, and embracing the many chapters of life and career.
The audience responded with laughter, applause, and moments of reflection throughout the conversation.
A Powerful Conversation with Ahmaud Arbery’s Father
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
Another memorable moment featured a discussion with Marcus Arbery Sr., who shared the inspiration behind his book and spoke candidly about grief, justice, healing, and preserving his son’s legacy.
Connecting with Chicago Media
The expo also created opportunities to connect with familiar faces in Chicago media.
Culture Loft had the pleasure of catching up with Keke Hampton and Ryan of WGCI Radio while covering the event, highlighting the relationships and conversations that continue to strengthen Chicago’s media and cultural landscape.
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
Food, Flavor & Live Demonstrations
Throughout the day, attendees gathered around live cooking demonstrations where chefs shared recipes, techniques, and practical tips while celebrating food, culture, and healthy living.
Presentation by: Chef Brian Jupiter
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
These interactive presentations added another layer to the expo experience, proving how food connects us within the culture.
Faces of the Expo
Beyond the stages and exhibits, what truly brought the event to life were the attendees.
Families, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, creators, and community leaders filled the convention floor with energy, conversation, and connection.
The expo was a reminder that community is created through shared experiences—the conversations we have, the businesses we support, and the stories we choose to celebrate.
The Beautiful Black Women Represented
Photos by RoGina Montgomery
Sponsors & Community Partners
Black Womens Expo is made possible through organizations committed to investing in Black businesses, education, health, and community.
The support of sponsors and partners helped create an experience where attendees could access resources, connect with organizations, and participate in meaningful conversations.
SPONSORS
Howard Brown
Health
comed™
AN EXELON COMPANY
THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
MEDICINE
CDPH
Chicago Department of Public Health
M Medicine
Northwesterr
American
+ Red Cross
ViV
Healthcare
Walgreens
giftofhope™
Organ & Tissue Donor Network
CREME OF NATURE.
Bally's
Black Girl Vitamins
BAYER
FIFTH THIRD BANK
iHeartMEDIA
GILEAD
COOK COUNTY HEALTH
HIV Integrated Programs
3 IDPH
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
102.7 FM CHICAGO
ABC 7 CHICAGO
INSPIRATION 1390AM
107.5 WGCI
Final Thoughts
The Black Women’s Expo continues to create a powerful space where business, culture, education, wellness, and community come together.
Under the vision of founder Merry Green, the expo has continued to provide a platform that celebrates Black women and the many ways they contribute to their families, businesses, industries, and communities.
Culture Loft’s coverage highlights just a few of the meaningful moments experienced throughout the weekend, the entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, attendees, and conversations that made the 2026 expo memorable.
We look forward to continuing to share vendor spotlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from this year’s celebration.
Photography by: RoGina Montgomery
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