BBA partners with U.S. Bank and KJLH to present the popular expo featuring State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
The 2nd Annual Black Business Day Expo presented by the Black Business Association (BBA) in partnership with U.S. Bank and 102.3FM KJLH, took place on Saturday, August 17, and it was a tremendous success. With 700 registrants and over 100 participants, including exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and event staff, the event was a vibrant celebration of Black business excellence.
Held on a beautiful summer day at the state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Building on the campus of L.A. Trade Tech College, the expo featured a steady flow of attendees visiting vendors and participating in enriching panel discussions. The three speaker panels were a highlight, offering attendees valuable insights into the future of business.
Donnell Laynes, CEO of TwinFlame Ventures, led the discussion on AI and Business Innovations. Delphine D. Pruitt, vice president and business access advisor at U.S. Bank, moderated the Capital Access panel, and Kimberly Kelly-Rolfe, founder and director of the Southern California Virtual Business Center, guided the conversation on Contracting and Business Opportunities.
Related Stories:
https://lasentinel.net/black-business-association-hosts-21st-annual-salute-to-black-women.html
https://lasentinel.net/black-business-association-presents-2024-salute-to-black-women-2.html
Reflecting on the significance of the event, BBA President and CEO Sarah Harris stated, “We celebrate Black Business Day to honor the resilience, creativity, and contribution of Black entrepreneurs to our economy. This day is not just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the importance of supporting and uplifting Black-owned businesses, which are the backbone of our communities.
“We continue to thank BBA President Emeritus Earl ‘Skip’ Cooper II for the foresight to petition to have Black Business Day recognized, which was first proclaimed in 1987 by Mayor Tom Bradley in the City of Los Angeles.”
Expressing her enthusiasm for the BBA, Pruitt said, “Supporting the BBA and being part of the Black Business Day Expo aligns with the U.S. Bank commitment to foster economic growth in all communities. We are proud to stand with the BBA in its mission to empower Black entrepreneurs and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
This year’s expo introduced a new feature – the BBA Media Studio. Hosted by Danny Morrison, the BBA’s new media partner, the studio offered on-stage interviews with businesses and organizations, furthering the mission to #BolsterBlackLA. KJLH radio personality Tammi Mac, returning as the event’s host, brought her signature energy and charisma, making the day even more special.
Other highlights included a special appearance by California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas bringing remarks on the state of Black businesses in California and advocating to establish the first Cultural District that uplifts Black contributions and influences. Also, featured was a fantastic food court, and a beer and wine garden hosted by 1010 Wine & Events.
The event’s success was made possible by the unwavering support of sponsors such as LADWP, Metro, SoCalGas, EastWest Bank, Turner Construction, MLK Community Healthcare, and the CA Black Women’s Health Project. The BBA also extends its gratitude to its dedicated Board Members, including Kim Anthony Morrow, Brett Byers, Ezekiel Patten II, Denise Peoples, Nathan Freeman, Ronda Jackson, and Chairman Earl “Skip” Cooper, II.
“Special thanks go out to our event staff, Linda Morgan Sam and Lela Thompson, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth execution of the day,” noted Harris.
“As the expo concluded, the excitement for next year was already palpable. We invite everyone to join us again on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as we continue the tradition of celebrating Black Business Day during National Black Business Month,” she added.
“Together, we will keep uplifting and empowering the Black business community.”
To join the BBA or for more information, visit www.bbala.org.
