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2013 MIDWEST BLACK HISTORY EXPO

The Biggest Black History Month Celebration in Minnesota  

 In December of 2011 a small business was looking for a major Black History Month celebration in Minnesota where they could be a vendor in February 2012 and sell merchandise that promotes Black History and culture. The small business (Liberation Clothing & Gifts) was astonished to find that no such event existed in Minnesota. From this experience, the founder of Liberation Clothing & Gifts was inspired to organize what could possibly be the largest Black History Month celebration that has ever occurred in the state of Minnesota.

This inaugural event is the Midwest Black History Expo (MBHE). It will take place at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on February 23, 2013 from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. The event is encouraging small businesses, organizations, and major corporations to support and be a part of this event by purchasing a booth or sponsorship package at www.BlackHistoryExpo.com.

The goal of the event is to teach cultural awareness and to inspire everyone. This goal will be reached by sharing the often forgotten and untold stories about Black History around the world.

The event will include the following:

* 50' x 84' African American Inventions and Inventors Exhibit. The Reflections in Black Museum, Inc. will present African American inventions such as the gas mask, golf tee, ice cream scoop, ink pen, instant potatoes, pencil sharpener, traffic signal, and Dasani drinking water displays. These are just a few inventions that the exhibit will include.

* Nationally-Known Keynote Speaker. Dr. Julianne Malveaux (www.juliannemalveaux.com) will be our keynote speaker. She is an economist, author, and the 15th president of the historically black Bennett College for Women. She was also interviewed on the CNN documentary "Black in America."

* African American Authors. African American authors will sell, autograph, and read experts from their books.

* Black History Documentary & Discussion Room. Some of the documentaries will include Slavery and the Making of America, Slavery by Another Name, Percy Julian: Forgotten Genius, Toussaint Louveture and the Haitian Revolution and more.

* Seminar Room. Local professors and professionals will lead seminars on topics beneficial to all races: when and how do I teach my child about Black History, also including topics that would be beneficial to mixed race families, and more.

* Children’s Room. There will be readings of children’s books that have a focus on Black History, face painting, and more.

* Art Competition. One adult and youth artist will be awarded $1,000 and $500 respectively for a painting that is inspired by Black History.

* More than 200 Vendors/Exhibitors. Vendors will include artists, authors, retailers, organizations, museums and more.

* Fashion Show. Black designers and retailers will showcase their clothing designs and accessories.

* Performers. There will be singers, drummers, drill teams and more.

All that are interested in learning about Black History, Black culture, and various Afro-centric products will enjoy this event. Attendees will also learn about various services offered by organizations serving the Black community. The MBHE is an event that educators, adults, parents, and students will not want to miss. It will give Black retailers, designers, artist, authors and organizations that service the Black community an opportunity to sell, display, and inform people about their products and services. The MBHE is open to the general public and all are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the Midwest Black History Expo, please visit www.BlackHistoryExpo.com or contact Karla Spencer-George at karla@LiberationGifts.com or 612-387-5124.