This past weekend, the biggest names in entertainment, finance, politics, business and more converged upon the Jacob Javits Center for Circle of Sisters, the largest EXPO in New York City uniting, motivating and celebrating women of color. Hosted by WBLS 107.5 FM, your #1 source for R&B, 1190 WLIB AM, your home for Gospel & Inspiration, and WQHT HOT 97 FM, the #1 station for Hip Hop in the world, Circle of Sisters is the premier EXPO in New York celebrating women of color with over 250 upcoming & established vendors, panels & breakout sessions, and live broadcast & performances stages.”There is no event out there like Circle of Sisters, whether you look at it from its size, its activations, or its star-power,” states Deon Levingston, General Manager of Emmis NY. “This year’s event was incredible! We had over 250 vendors participate, the most we’ve ever had, and more than 55,000 attendees stop by the EXPO over the course of the weekend.
The biggest names in entertainment came through, including a surprise appearance from 50 Cent and an intimate discussion with Bobby Brown, and we produced two solid concerts, providing live performances for every kind of music-lover. We continually look at ways to expand the event to fit our consumers’ wants, such as the Man Cave, for a relaxing break from the crowds, and the merchandise booth, where attendees were able to purchase event souvenirs including the Circle of Sisters t-shirt and bag. And it doesn’t stop there: we’re already planning how to make the event biggeR&Better for 2016!”Attendees experienced exclusive, intimate discussions with Bobby Brown, Jennifer Hudson and the Cast of The Color Purple, the men of BET’s Being Mary Jane, and more.
The panels and breakout discussions offered something for everyone, from the stars of Starz’s hit show, Power, discussing the viewer’s shift from reality TV to drama series, to some of the most powerful women in corporate America discussing their climb to the top. The HealthFirst Cooking Pavilion featured a wide variety of delicious demonstrations from celebrity chefs including Bobby Brown, Pat Neely, Jeff Vaden, and host, Nikki Shaw. On Saturday night, concert goers danced the night away at Circle of Sisters R&B Live, presented by MajorWorld, with performances by the legendary Chaka Khan, alongside R&B superstars Avant and Jaheim.
Sunday morning, WLIB’s Bishop Hezekiah Walker led attendees in an uplifting, spiritual service before the panels, performances, and vendor floor continued for the second day. The entire EXPO closed out with the MetroPCS Gospel Explosion, where Brian Courtney Wilson, Tasha Cobbs, Tina Cbell, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Anthony Brown & group therAPy and more brought the crowd to their feet with their soulful, inspirational voices.https://youtu.be/qSblC97lUxs
