What began as a radio station sponsored event to celebrate, support and spotlight Black women has grown into one of the largest and longest-running expositions of its kind in the country. Now in its 30th year, the Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT)—founded by media executive and entrepreneur Merry Green—returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place August 1–3, 2025, with a full weekend of inspiration, performances and purposeful connection.
Green, who created the event in 1994, reflected on three decades of legacy and leadership in an exclusive interview with The St. Louis Argus. The Expo is the nation’s longest-running event dedicated to Black women’s empowerment—and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
“We started because there was a void,” said Green. “There were events about us, but not truly for us—spaces where our beauty, health, ambition and ideas weren’t just acknowledged but elevated. Thirty years later, the need hasn’t gone away. But what’s grown is our voice, our buying power and our appreciation of being centered.”
This year’s milestone celebration promises to honor the past while boldly embracing the future. The lineup is intentionally intergenerational—offering something for every visitor, whether they’re a first-timer or a longtime supporter.
Headliners include R&B vocalist Raheem DeVaughn, who will open the weekend with a soulful Friday night performance, Talk Show Host & Author Tamron Hall (Sunday) and gospel icon Marvin Sapp, who will close out the Expo with a message of music and spiritual elevation.
Between performances, attendees will find a curated schedule of panels, workshops, demonstrations and shopping experiences—from wellness zones and tech activations to beauty tutorials and fashion showcases. Over 300 Black-owned businesses from across the country will participate as vendors.
This year also marks the debut of “Bagels & Bosses,” a special-ticketed brunch experience focused on Black beauty entrepreneurship. Slated for Sunday, August 3 at noon, the event brings together CEOs and founders from across the beauty industry to share practical strategies on scaling businesses, protecting intellectual property, securing capital and building brands backed by data—not just influence.
“We know that Black women are trendsetters in beauty,” Green explained. “But we want them to be empire-builders too. This brunch is about turning influence into infrastructure. It’s tactical, not just inspirational.”
Although the Expo is rooted in celebrating Black women, it doesn’t forget the broader community.
Back again this year is the Men’s Den, a curated space focused on Black men’s wellness, relationships and personal development. With barbershop-style panels, health screenings and financial planning resources, the space provides a balanced and respectful platform for Black men to be in community alongside the women.
Meanwhile, the Divine 9 Pavilion will pay homage to the enduring legacy of historically Black fraternities and sororities. With step showcases, scholarship info and historical exhibits, the area is both a celebration of tradition and a bridge to younger generations.
“It’s important for young people to see themselves in legacy,” said Green. “The Divine 9 has shaped leaders, educators and changemakers for decades—and we’re proud to spotlight that.”
The 2025 Expo also expands its health and wellness footprint, offering massages, meditation lounges, skincare pop-ups and on-site health screenings. The focus is clear: replenishment as resistance.
“Black women do so much. We carry so much,” Green noted. “We wanted to create a space where you don’t have to perform—where you can exhale, regroup and be poured into.”
The Expo also remains a hub for small business growth. From independent authors to fashion designers to financial advisors, many exhibitors credit BWe with helping them scale to national audiences. For some, it was the first time they made four- or five-figure sales in a single weekend. For others, it was the networking opportunities that changed everything.
“We’ve watched founders start at BWe and end up in big-box retail,” Green said. “It’s about visibility, but also about community—and commerce.”
As the Expo continues to grow, Green and her team remain focused on intentional innovation. The vision is clear: stay relevant, rooted and responsive.
“We embrace change. That’s how we’ve lasted thirty years. We’ve gone virtual, we’ve embraced fintech and AI discussions, and we’ve widened the door for new voices,” Green said. “This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a relay. We’re handing off inspiration and legacy.”
For those attending the Expo for the first time, Green offered some advice:
“Start at the main stage—it sets the tone. Make time for the wellness zone, shop the vendor aisles, and talk to people. Some of the most meaningful conversations are unplanned and can be life changing.”
And for the St. Louis community, Green extends a heartfelt invitation:
“You’re not just welcome—you’re needed. Come, connect, support and take something powerful back to your city. We want this to be a celebration for all of us.”
The Black Women’s Expo (BWe NEXT)
McCormick Place, Chicago
August 1–3, 2025
Tickets and information at: www.bwenext.com
Linda Pritchard is a soft skills consultant, content writer, fashionista, lover of movies, books & chocolate. When she isn’t consulting, writing or styling, she is aspiring to do and be better.
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