Welcome to mbespeaks.com!
May 2007 Issue
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Welcome to the inaugural edition of mbespeaks.com, the Official Newsletter of the Missouri Black Expo!
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Anisha F. Coleman
Managing Director
mbespeaks.com
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Spring is here and Missouri Black Expo 2007 "The State of Black America" will return for the 16th year, August 18 & 19, 2007!
Last August 5th and 6th, 2006 was a much-anticipated weekend for thousands. More than in past years, Missouri Black Expo 2006 "Building Our Community, Mind, Body & Soul" took an extreme level of hard work, a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and supporters to bring MBE together for the dynamic purposes of education, health awareness, free concerts, enlightenment and fun!
Special thanks to the many sponsors, vendors, supporters, the City of St. Louis, the State of Missouri and all of the MBE attendees for making the 15th annual Missouri Black Expo one of growth, education and success.
We are pleased to inform you that each month mbespeaks.com will be arriving in your inbox delivering our latest news and updates!
We strongly encourage your participation in the 16th annul Missouri Black Expo, as we believe each person and organization has the power to leave a lasting impact on the lives of our youth and the dynamics of our families.
To become a part of MBE 2007 as a vendor, volunteer, sponsor or entertainment act, you can also visit missouriblackexpo.com or call the Expo office direct at 314.361.5772.
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Recap of MBE 2006
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Thank you for making the 2006 Missouri Black Expo a phenomenal success!
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 Coined the health and financial information Mecca for the African American community, the 2006 Missouri Black Expo boasted life-changing avenues in a variety of arenas. MBE festivities began by empowering job seekers and employers alike with a Multi-Cultural Job Fair held at the America's Center on Friday, August 4th.
Employers such as Anheuser-Busch, US Bank, The Home Depot, and Edward Jones were all on hand offering many the fortune of a great start to a promising career. Much to the delight of participating employers, applicants poured in by the dozens early that morning, seeking jobs in a variety of fields.
32-year old Tanisha Morganford is one such job seeker. Having traveled all the way from Granite City, Illinois for the weekend long Expo; Tanisha had a very personal reason for making her long journey to St. Louis.
“My aunts and friends go to the EXPO every year, and this year, I just happened to have lost my job in July, so the Multi-Cultural job fair came right on time for me. I’m hoping to get at least five callbacks.”
“We at the Missouri Black Expo believe in empowering our community through abundant resources and opportunity for personal and professional growth and we will continue to feature the Multi-Cultural Job Fair as part of the Missouri Black Expo for years to come” said Thomas Bailey Jr., Missouri Black Expo President.
MBE Community Benefit Gala
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 As the sky turned dim, the AG Edwards Learning Center on Market Street came alive with celebrities and prominent community leaders in support of the American Family Insurance Community Benefit Gala.
Celebrating the achievements of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Paula J. Carter foundation, the evening featured recognitions of the organizations’ leaders, scholarships given to outstanding African American students headed to college this fall and topped off with a scrumptious soul food dinner. Gala guests mingled all night long enjoying themselves in an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere.
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Prostate Cancer Survivors and Awareness Walk
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 Saturday morning MBE festivities got off to a healthy start. The 1.3-mile, Prostate Cancer Survivor’s and Awareness Walk began at 7:00 a.m. at Aloe Plaza. All participants were encouraged to continue or begin a healthy lifestyle.
Presented by the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, and sponsored by Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Missouri, advocates and those affected by prostate cancer personally agree that getting tested early, coupled with a healthy diet and the right amount of exercise is the key to saving the lives of men all over the world. The Prostate Cancer Walk culminated in free PSA screenings and a Prostate Cancer Awareness panel discussion.
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BET Foundation Women's Health Forum
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 Fresh off the heels of their exciting Health Forum held at Harris-Stowe State University, The BET Foundation Women’s Health Forum, made its welcomed return to St. Louis as part of the MBE 2006. Ramona Crayton, 43, of Olivette brought along the women closest in her life; her best friend, daughter and neighbor to get a taste of Jeanette Jenkins’ energizing workout.
“My niece kept raving about how wonderful last year’s Women’s Health Forum was, and I hate that I missed it! Everyone was talking about how inspiring and uplifting it was for women, how it gave everyone a feeling of unity and empowerment. So when my niece told me back in June that the BET Women’s Health Forum was coming to the Expo in August, I made up my mind then that I was coming,” said Crayton.
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Gear Up Summit
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 Teens all over the metropolitan area woke up at the crack of dawn to race down to the Expo to see their favorite celebrities; Chingy, Ebony Eyez, Potzee and others alongside their parents or other significant influence speak on the necessity of parental involvement at the Gear Up Student & Parent Leadership Summit.
This year’s theme was “Parents, Get Involved!” It started at 10:00 a.m., however by 8:30am, a long line of grandparents, mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles along with their children could be seen heading toward the main stage to get a ‘good spot’ for the forum. Excellent topics were addressed, and the audience took well to the parents of well-known celebrities offering them sound advice as to how to contribute to their children’s lives.
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Sam's Club Ice Cold Steppin'
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 By noon, the America’s Center was filled from corner to corner with the young, old and in-between going from booth to booth to check out what this year’s EXPO had to offer. 65-year old Georgianna Edwards and 41-year old Marsha Fields of Hazelwood were excited about this year’s “Sam's Club Ice Cold Steppin” booth.
“I didn’t know they were going to put on a ‘steppin’ competition too! Soon as we walked in, this was the first thing we saw, couples and everybody dancing and having a good time. I even see the young ones out here trying to get down like us! Marsha and I had to show them how it’s really supposed to be done,” chuckled Edwards.
As the DJ kept churning out the hits, the crowd grew larger and larger, with more people trying to squeeze in a dance or two at the last minute. Indeed the Sam's Club Ice Cold Steppin’ booth was a welcomed and joyous new addition to this year’s Expo.
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Black America Today Presented by University of Missouri - St. Louis
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By 3:30 Saturday afternoon, most adults were looking forward to the Black America Today Panel discussion presented by the University of Missouri-St. Louis that took place directly across the hall from the main auditorium.
The theme discussed was “Creating Access through Education, Politics, Health, Entertainment and Economic development.” Panelists included the esteemed Dr. Joycelyn Elders, Former United States Surgeon General, Former St. Louis Mayor, Freeman Bosley Jr., Lizz Brown, Radio Talk Show Host, Dr. Lynn Beckwith, Educator, Bonita Cornute, Reporter, Revered Sammy Jones, Pastor and as a surprise to everyone, Mel Jackson, actor and author breezed in at the last second to take a surprise seat on the discussion. By the time Jackson took his seat, the room was standing-room only.
The audience was definitely in for a treat. Zipping through controversial topics such as teen pregnancy ‘vaccinations’, it was clear that the African American community wanted change and ‘access’ in a variety of arenas. At the end of the discussion, the floor was opened for a bit of Q & A. Participants wanted to know from the panelists practical solutions for creating attaining their personal professional goals and those of their family members.
Offering guests time to unwind from the afternoon’s heavy discussion topics, the MBE Main Stage gave guests a wealth of entertainment. From poetry to praise dance and everything in between, Expo-goers had a lot to listen to while interacting with old friends and meeting new ones.
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MBE Music Fest
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 Around 7:30pm Saturday night live on the Budweiser Stage, St. Louis’ own Murphy Lee and his crew riled the crowd into frenzy, during the MBE Music Fest. Rapping a slew of hits from ‘What Da Hook Gon’ Be’ to the ‘Tipsy’ remix. Giving the crowd a double-dose of pleasure, U-C Me Entertainment’s own Potzee came out and showed the ladies what type of girl catches his eye and sang “Dat Girl.”
Too much to handle for some fans, Logan Shireford, 23 of Collinsville screamed “I just can’t take it! Potzee AND Murphy Lee! I’m their biggest fan! I drove all the way here just to see them, plus I got front row seats! My friends aren’t going to believe this!”
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MBE National Invitational Boxing Tournament
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 Let’s not forget the sports fanatics! Featuring a USA boxing sanctioned amateur boxing tournament, this year’s MBE National Invitational Boxing Tournament presented by Ameristar Casino boasted fighters from Little Rock to Cleveland.
15-year old Sanchez Gusto exclaimed “I’ve been telling my dad about this for the longest. This is the third time I’ve come, and I finally got him to come out to watch. I’ve been boxing since I was 9 and my dad has always supported me. Hopefully, next year I can box at the Expo as well!”
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MBE City Wide Church Service
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Sunday morning, as Expo guests were winding their weekends down, thousands turned out for the City Wide Church Service hosted by Westside Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Ronald Bobo reminded us of the real reason and the key to the success of our people, accepting the Lord, Jesus Christ into our lives. |
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African American Images In the Media presented by Professional Organization of Women
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 While Expo patrons were attending church services, the Professional Organization of Women were hard at work assembling their forum “African American Images In the Media.”
Distinguished women from all walks of life attended this life changing seminar learning about the profound impact media has in the lives of women and how to change stereotypes in the media.
A refreshing and in-depth look at the complex issues facing women and African Americans in the media, the workshop couldn’t have come at a better time. “It’s so interesting to hear this topic addressed, especially in a day and age where no one seems to care about how we’re being portrayed in the media,” said Kelisha Armstrong, 26, of Fairview Heights.
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MBE Music Fest
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 Closing the 2006 Missouri Black Expo in grandiose style on Sunday night, National Recording Artist, Eric Benet, R & B’s favorite bachelor, invited the guests to listen to his latest hit “Pretty Baby” from his soulful album “Hurricane”. Teary-eyed ladies adorned the stage, hoping for a chance to touch his hand.
After his show, Eric gave me a few minutes to discuss his performance, his album and what inspires him to be the striving artist he is today. To see our interview, click here.
From the hearts of Thomas R. Bailey Jr., President, Missouri Black Expo, myself and the entire Missouri Black Expo staff, we want to thank you, our devoted supporters, committed sponsors and faithful readers for making the 2006 Missouri Black Expo a success.
For it is only with your support that we can continue to create resources and opportunities for the African American community.
As we look toward the Missouri Black Expo 2007 "The State of Black America", we encourage you to Get Connected, Get Involved at mbespeaks.com.
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Become a Missouri Black Expo Exhibitor
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 Do you have a new product you'd like to show the world? Are you interested in introducing your corporation or non-profit organizations services to thousands of people in an informal, fun and relaxed atmosphere? Or are you a small business striving to grow into a large business?
If so, now is the time to sign up to become an official Missouri Black Expo 2007 exhibitor!
Missouri Black Expo 2007 is returning to America's Center August 18-19, 2007 for the 16th year in a row. Don't miss this opportunity to increase sales and profits by marketing your products and services to a consumer group that spends in excess of 5 Billion dollars annually in the State Of Missouri!
As the largest African American Consumer Event in the State Of Missouri, MBE 2007 appeals to all demographics and will feature products, merchandise, food and entertainment.
To secure your spot as a MBE 2007 Exhibitor, click on the exhibitor packet link below. You can also call the MBE Office directly at 314-361-5772 for further assistance.
| If you need verbal directions for how to become a booth exhibitor at MBE |
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Become a Missouri Black Expo Sponsor
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 Missouri Black Expo 2007 "The State Of Black America" has sponsorship opportunities available. Your company or organization can leverage significant pre-event outreach and leadership on-site positioning in the largest African American event of its kind in the State Of Missouri.
By participating in MBE as a sponsor, your company or organization will associate with an event that positively impacts the lives of African Americans. Join MBE as a sponsor today, to make a difference in the lives of your customers tomorrow. For more information, contact Tom Bailey at 314 361-5772 or via email at tbailey@missouriblackexpo.com.
Click here for 2006 Expo Sponsors
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Purchase an Advertisement in the MBE Official Program Guide
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The Missouri Black Expo Official Program Guide is an excellent tool to introduce your company, business or not-for-profit organization to businessmen and women across the globe. By purchasing an ad in the Missouri Black Expo Program Guide, you can tap into our pool of professional contacts and resources to communicate your company’s message to your targeted audience.
The Missouri Black Expo Official Program Guide is geared at increasing awareness for your company, while serving as an added marketing vehicle for your company, small business or major corporation. To purchase an ad in the Missouri Black Expo Official Program Guide, please download the MBE 2007 Exhibitor's Packet (under Become an MBE 2007 Exhibitor) and fill out the Official Program Guide Advertisement application form. Or, you can contact the MBE Office at 314- 361-5772 for further assistance.
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Harold Robinson Joins the MBE Team
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 Introducing Harold Robbie Robinson, newly appointed Sales Manager for the Missouri Black Expo. Robbie, as his peers affectionately know him, is a seasoned sales veteran working as a lead salesman for Procter & Gamble from 1980 to 1995.
Robbie first discovered his selling prowess during his stint as a salesman for the Boy Scouts of America in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He currently volunteers for the organization, continuing his commitment to giving back to organizations that supported his endeavors. In addition, Robbie is a member of the Optimist Club, where he spends the majority of his time assisting special needs students with educational issues.
Robbie says of his new venture with the Missouri Black Expo alongside President Tom Bailey, “Due to the current plight of black families, especially our young black men, it’s especially important to me to be in a position where I can help educate our young men and encourage them to follow in the entrepreneurial footsteps of gentleman like myself and Tom Bailey. We’ve worked hard and earned our place in the ranks of great entrepreneurs making a significant difference in our communities, but we won’t be around forever. Therefore it’s up to the next generation to step up to the plate and carry the torch onto our collective goal of community, economic, health and educational empowerment.”
Harold Robbie Robinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Biology from Lincoln University and enjoys jogging in spare time.
Welcome Robbie, we anticipate a long and fruitful relationship with you and look forward to your innovative selling techniques and vast MBE contributions.
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Gear Up Leadership Summit
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 Fulfilling it’s mission of encouraging and inspiring community involvement in the lives of African American Youth, the Missouri Black Expo presented its GE AR UP Summit
on Saturday, August 5th 2006 at The America’s Center.
The GEAR UP Summit is a comprehensive program designed at addressing the issues surrounding parental involvement or lack thereof in children’s education. “Parents, Get Involved!” was the
soul- stirring theme of last year’s summit.
To further drive the message and necessity of parental involvement, the program featured a celebrity discussion panel that included a group of St. Louis’ own rap celebrities; Chingy, Ebony Eyez, and Potzee along with Jesse Taylor and other celebrity guests. The celebrity panelists sat alongside their parents and significant role models to share with audience members’ key tips for raising successful children.
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Jesse Taylor's mother |
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Jesse Taylor and his mother |
Ebony Eyez Potzee's Dad and Potzee |
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Chingy signing autographs
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Fans |
Gear Up Celebrity Panelists |
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Gear Up Summit Celebrities
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Youth enjoying Gear Up topics |
Gear Up Audience |
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Alonzo 'Zo' Lee
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Gear Up Audience |
Gear Up Panelists along
with MBE President |
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The MBE National Event Calendar
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Detroit Black Expo
Friday, March 2, 2007
Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History
For more information, call 313.494.5800
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Uplift Chicago on V-103
May 4-6, 2007
McCormick Place
For more information, visit www.upliftchicago.com or call 312.243.3554
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Houston Black Expo
May 19-20, 2007
George R. Brown Convention Center
For more information, log on to www.houstonblackexpo.com
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Grace Magazine’s Sisterhood Outreach Summit & Showcase
June 2-3, 2007
Memphis Cook
Convention Center
For more information, log on to www.sisterhoodshowcase.com, call 901.579.9333, or e-mail info@sisterhoodshowcase.com
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Oakland Black Expo
July 14-15, 2007
Oakland Marriott City Center
For more information, call 510.451.4000
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Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration
July 16-22,2007
Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dine
For more information, call 317.925.2707.
alehointl@aoi.com |
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Missouri Black Expo
August 18 & 19, 2007
America’s Center, St. Louis, Missouri
For more information, log on to www.missouriblackexpo.com or call 314.361.5772
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Virginia Black Expo
August 24-25, 2007
Kevin Crossett, Jamestown 2007
For more information,
call 757- 253-4534 or e-mail kevin.crossett@jyf.virginia.gov
www.jamestown2007.org
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Los Angeles Black Expo
September 22-24, 2007
Downtown Los Angeles Convention Center
www.blackbusinessexpo.com
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click here for more National events
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MBE MySpace
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 We are proud to introduce Missouri Black Expo's MYSPACE debut!
We are excited to connect with MYSPACE's 90 million users to communicate the exciting happenings of the Missouri Black Expo. Along with the mbespeaks.com newsletter and our parent website, missouriblackexpo.com, you're sure to receive the latest MBE buzz 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Join me in welcoming our new website:
www.myspace.com/famousmissouriblackexpo
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Atrium X
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 MBE is in the process of creating an environment that will provide you with a shopping experience more exciting than your local buying/trading store...
Introducing...
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the buying, selling and trading on-line store
of the Missouri Black Expo!
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Atrium X is being launched as the premier MBE on-line auction venue for the public's buying, selling and trading needs. Atrium X will utilize a secure payment agent to guarantee the safety and confidentiality of your on-line purchases.
In addition, Atrium X gives you the opportunity to purchase high quality products from official Missouri Black Expo vendors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
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click here to read more
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President Bush Recognizes Tom Bailey
for Dedication to Volunteer Service
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 President Bush Recognizes Tom Bailey
for Dedication to Volunteer Service
President George W. Bush presented the President’s Volunteer and Community Service Award to Tom Bailey Jr., when he arrived at the airport in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday, October 12, 2006. Bailey is a volunteer with 100 Black Men of America Inc., and 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. Bailey is also the founder of Missouri Black Expo, the largest African-American empowerment event in the state of Missouri.
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click here to read more
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MBE 2007 Calendar of Events
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Listed are the Missouri Black Expo events projected for 2007: August 17 - 18, 2007 St. Louis
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August 18 |
August 19 |
MBE Multi Cultural
Diversity Job Fair
11am-4pm
America's Center
FREE ADMISSION
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100 Black Men Prostate Cancer Survivor's & Awareness Walk
7a – 11a Keener Plaza $10.00 to Register! 1.3 Mile Walk! All men 35+ get a Free PSA Blood Test at America’s Center! www.100blmstl.com
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City Wide Church Service
Presented By Westside Baptist Missionary Church at 9a-11a America’s Center Free Admission |
MBE Official Kick-Off Reception
6p – 10:30p (Invitation Only) |
State Farm Gear-Up Leadership Summit Featuring: Nick Cannon, Jibbs, Aloha, Isis Jones and more! 10:30am – 12:30pm at America’s Center
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MBE Gospel Fest featuring: Shalom City Of Peace, Lively Stone & Friendly Temple Choirs
1:30 – 4:30p at America’s Center |
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Gear Up Summit DJ Show & Concert Featuring Nick Cannon & Jibbs 12:30pm – 1:30pm at America’s Center |
Gospel Superstar Concert featuring: Dottie Peoples Live In Concert at 5pm at America’s Center
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State Of Black America Panel Discussion Featuring Dr. Nelson Adams, John Hope Bryan Presented by University of Missouri-St. Louis 3:30-6:00pm America’s Center
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State Of Black America Panel Discussion Featuring Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II on Politics Presented by University of Missouri-St. Louis 3:30-6:00pm America’s Center
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US Army National Invitational Boxing Tournament Semi-finals Featuring Teams from St. Louis, Memphis, Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Illinois 3pm to 7pm at America’s Center
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US Army National Invitational Boxing Tournament Championships Featuring Teams from St. Louis, Memphis, Cincinnati, Little Rock, and Illinois 3pm to 7pm at America’s Center |
| MBE American Family Insurance Music Fest Featuring “The Grand Party at the Expo” with Rose Royce & The DAZZ Band 6:30p – 9p America’s Center |
MBE American Family Insurance Music Fest Featuring Julius Williams Regina Belle Live in Concert! 6:30p – 9p America’s Center
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Show Hours: Saturday 10am to 10pm & Sunday 11am to 9pm
Admission: MBE General Admission $8.00, free for children ages 6 and under.
*MBE Music Fest featuring fabulous artists is included in the ticket price.
*Events schedule are subject to change.
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click here to read more MBE Events
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Advertise on mbespeaks.com
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 Are you in need of a great place to showcase your company, product or latest invention? Look no further! By advertising on mbespeaks.com, the official newsletter of the Missouri Black Expo, your advertisement will be viewed by close to 50,000 people worldwide at the click of a button. |
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Contact mbespeaks.com
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Missouri Black Expo, Inc. 2007
4411 N. Newstead • Suite 104 • St. Louis, MO 63115
Office: 314.361.5772. • Fax 314. 389.4694
www.missouriblackexpo.com
www.mbespeaks.com
..................................contact@missouriblackexpo.com
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