By Tavon N. Thomasson
AFRO Intern
The AFRO-American Newspaper hosted its fifth annual Black Business Matters Expo on Aug. 14 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, debuting its first official AFRO Power Pitch competition.
Kendrick Tilghman, a professional speaker and DJ, won the inaugural contest with his pitch for 5 Starr Enterprise, a company that blends music, education and technology to engage youth and improve academic outcomes.
“Even if I lose, this increases my reach, so partnering with the AFRO at 133 years–no brainer,” said Tilghman. “For me, it was about showing up, showing out to increase the reach. And the fact that I won, that increased capital, and that increased more reach, because I get so many opportunities to work with the AFRO newspaper, who I am a huge fan of for over 40 years.”
His remarks highlight the Power Pitch’s importance, both as a competition and as part of the broader Expo. First introduced last year as an impromptu segment, it has now grown into a signature event.
“Last year the AFRO did a little small event off the cuff, which was engineered for small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said Nicole Kirby, the event’s lead project manager and longtime AFRO Media Group consultant. “And during that networking event, they had a quick Power Pitch event that went off amazingly… . At the end, it went over so well that we said we have to do it again this year.”
This year’s competition featured three entrepreneurs presenting their business ideas to a live audience and panel of judges. Prizes included a professional business video, headshots, AFRO digital ad space, and cash awards of $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $750 for third.
Alongside Tilghman, the finalists were second-place winner Tyisha Ferguson, founder of Brown Girl Candle Cafe, which creates dessert-inspired soy candles and offers custom designs and classes.
Third-place winner Brittany Janay Kess, founder of In Loving Accountability Coaching & Consulting, who presented a storytelling and archival project preserving Black voices, wisdom and legacies through music, reflection and recorded narratives.
The significance of the Expo extended beyond the competition.
Brittany’s husband, Randy Kess, who attended to support her, spoke about the importance of events like the Expo in bringing Black businesses together to network and collaborate.
“I think it’s very important to be able to network with folks that’s from Baltimore, but also just look like us, to be able to build off of that network, to be able to support one another,” Randy said.
Earlier in the day, the “Sip N Say” reception spotlighted Black-owned beer, wine and spirits businesses, inviting guests to sample products and network with the makers. The program also featured an entrepreneurship panel where speakers discussed their paths to success, and breakout sessions with Goldman Sachs and Security Plus covering business development and financial readiness.
Roger Gore, CEO of Alisar Vodka, said events like the “Sip N Say” provide exposure for Black spirit brands while allowing them to connect with peers and engage customers face-to-face.
“I love communicating and meeting with our customers directly on the front line, because you get to hear immediate responses, you get to hear immediate feedback, and you get to hear either praise as well,” said Gore. We thank everybody for supporting us, and we thank the AFRO-American Newspaper for continuing to invite us back to participate in this.”
Anthony L. Williams, executive vice president and CIO of MMG Capital Group and a sponsor of the Expo, said the company’s decades-long partnership with the AFRO made participation an easy decision.
“This is our 30th anniversary year, and so we know the importance of celebrating each other’s longevity and the role that each of us play in the community. We know that we can’t do without your support, and we want to provide our support,” said Williams.
As the Expo wound down and attendees began to head out, AFRO Director of Advertising and Executive Director Lenora Howze reflected on the day, saying she was especially proud of the Power Pitch’s debut.
“What I’m most proud of tonight was the addition of the Power Pitch competition. This is the first year we did that and I think that was a great new addition,” said Howze. “I see it evolving into its own isolated event, but that’s what I’m most proud of–adding that and bringing in new aspiring businesses, some who are already doing well, but they can do better after tonight.”
Howze noted the Power Pitch could one day become its own event, but said the bigger point of pride is what the AFRO has achieved through the Expo overall.
“We love doing this. We love bringing businesses together, and the AFRO loves to be able to amplify the stories of these young and legacy Black businesses,” said Howze.
As this year’s event came to a close, the sense of momentum was clear. Anticipation is already building for next year’s Expo, which organizers say will return bigger and better.
Great Job Tavon Thomasson & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.
