(Black PR Wire) If anyone had predicted my journey of producing the Black Women's Expo would last this long — a venerable institution marking a three-decade milestone — I likely would not have believed them. However, poised to celebrate our 30th anniversary as the nation’s largest and longest running expo for Black women, I remain immensely grateful for this journey, for every milepost of our story, and chapters yet to be written.

In this season of reflection, I am reminded of all the obstacles, naysayers, roadblocks and circumstances beyond my control that over the years brought into question whether this institution would continue. I am reminded too, that with each of those difficult scenarios came a solution, pivot, or prayer that brought us to a place of success and our unwavering will to keep pressing ever forward.

As spring 2025 unfolds, I am encountering the newest obstacle —not only impacting my business but impairing a significant number of entrepreneurs and organizations at an alarming rate. Simply looking to elevate their brands, reach their target markets and cater to diverse and unique consumers, entrepreneurs are suddenly meeting unexpected opposition. That opposition has led to cancellation of several of Chicago’s signature summer events— as some corporate sponsors who have long partnered with us in a commitment to diversity have surprisingly begun to bow out.

No more supporting diverse communities? One longtime sponsor of the Black Women's Expo recently told me that our institution founded on the bedrock of inclusiveness is now "not inclusive enough." What???I wasn't sure how to receive that accusation, particularly against my own experience of being excluded from sought-after opportunities— despite meeting or exceeding credentials and qualifications — simply because I am Black, because I am a woman, or because I am both. This type of institutional racism is among the reasons Black Women's Expo came into existence!

The sudden dismissal of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has created a fallout that demands the attention of all people of good will, demands our collective voice be raised, demands our collective action. Without warning, companies and organizations long committed to the promise of America are being told to eliminate programming and/or positions that promote acceptance and celebration of all of our differences — or risk being stripped of government funding. What year is this? What time machine are we being invited/forced back to?

It is imperative then, that I raise my voice for the thousands of entrepreneurs who have gotten their start on our showroom floor, at times spending their last dollar to bring fledgling companies, products and services before this coveted target market. At the Black Women's Expo, they were welcomed into an environment where they could be seen and appreciated for their unique ideas and amazing creations catering to untapped diverse consumers.

It is imperative then, that I raise my voice for the sponsors that stepped out on faith to support us at inception in the early 90s, when others were hesitant. In exchange, those corporations have reaped much benefit over the years, connecting with hundreds of thousands of Black women with power, influence and money to spend, as well as attendees of every race who come for our impressive yearly line-up of national speakers, newsmakers and celebrities. From Oprah Winfrey and Winnie Mandela to Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson, the Black Women’s Expo has seen and continues to welcome high-profile participants of influence and respect, revered by communities of all backgrounds. 

Thank you, first and foremost, to those corporations and sponsors who have remained steadfast in their commitment to supporting all communities and all consumers. To be clear, Black Women's Expo welcomes everyone! No one is turned away. We offer attractions and activities for all ages. How can it now be considered a crime, or "exclusive," to celebrate any racial group’s accomplishments — to celebrate our beauty, our excellence, our identity, and ultimately, our nation’s diversity? Tragically, we are living in increasingly divisive times that are creating an "eggshell effect."

Never have I seen such careful use of words attempting to explain why a company is backpedaling on promises. Never have I heard such cricket silence from those usually first to sign on and support us. I get it. There is concern about job security. Or it is not your problem. I have even heard such misguided perspectives as, "Things will blow over soon enough, so let's just fly under the radar."

NO! Small business owners, including myself, cannot remain silent while watching all that we've worked for become summarily eliminated with the stroke of a legislative pen. This is a clarion call to companies, organizations, businesses and consumers to stay the course, to remain committed to supporting initiatives inherently designed to level a playing field we all know is potholed, with inconsistent rules.

Disruptors are creating distractions by grandstanding. Let us stay the course by brandstanding! Recognize, stand with, and maintain your loyalty to brands that have for decades served great need in communities throughout our nation. Withdrawing your support will take our nation back to unthinkable days of communities disconnected, disrespected, and discriminated against. We can't go back. At 30 years in, I'm NOT going back! I hope to see all of you at the Black Women's Expo on Aug. 1-3, 2025. It will be one for the books!

Merry Green, Founder and Executive Producer - Black Women's Expo