Virginia Black Expo draws thousands to Main Street Station: 'A rising tide raises all ships'

RICHMOND, Va. — Thousands of entrepreneurs, shoppers, and community members packed Richmond's Main Street Station Saturday for the 6th Annual Virginia Black Expo, celebrating Black economic empowerment with more than 150 vendors, celebrity guests, and a simple message: support Black businesses every day, not just in February.

More than 3,700 people had already registered for the free event before it began. Over the past five years, the expo has welcomed more than 7,000 attendees, featured more than 600 exhibitors and helped generate more than $500,000 in vendor revenue, according to organizers.

Ernisha Hall, co-founder, president, and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, said the event is about more than a single day of shopping.

"It is about community, economic empowerment, elevating Black businesses, and just fellowshipping — learning that we do make a difference. Without small businesses, without Black businesses, this economy wouldn't be as great as it would be," Hall said.

The expo featured more than 150 vendors, product demonstrations, food trucks, a bike and car show, and panel discussions including Black Table Talk — a conversation focused on Black men's health and legacy featuring David Banner and a panel of doctors. Celebrity guests included Pinky Cole, Lamman Rucker, DJ Akademiks, DJ Heat and others.

Hall said she hopes attendees leave with a deeper understanding of why consistent support matters.

"I hope they gain the importance of just supporting community. It can't just be when something happens. It has to be 365 days a year — not just during National Black Business Month, not just during Black History Month. It should be all year long," Hall said.

Kindra Dionne, founder of Loudoun County-based wine company Fifty Leven, said the expo gives Black-owned businesses across Virginia a platform.

"Ernisha and Tracey Hall do an incredible job making sure that Black businesses shine not just in Virginia but across the United States. We've got businesses here from all over," Dionne said.

She said the economic message of the event is powerful.

"A rising tide raises all ships. When we talk about things like the importance of voting, when it comes to economics, we vote with our dollars," Dionne said. "By coming here today, by supporting the different businesses here all over the expo, you are showing that what we do matters in this industry."

Dionne said the expo shows that the business world has room for everyone.

"I am ready for us to no longer say, 'I am the first Black anything in any industry.' Business is open for everybody — and this expo is proof," Dionne said.