20 January 2011

Wilmington, NC - The Wilmington Black Expo returns to the Port City on Saturday, February 5, 2011, in the new Wilmington Convention Center. Expo hours are 11-6; admission is $5 per person. The largest event of its kind, the Expo promotes economic development through increased exposure for minority-owned businesses.

In addition to business and networking opportunities, the 2011 Expo will feature live entertainment. The celebrity guest is Clifton Powell, best known for his role as Pinky in the comedies "Friday" and "Friday After Next". His other credits include roles in "House Party", "Menace II Society", "Dead Presidents", "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", "Rush Hour", "Woman Thou Art Loosed", "Ray" and "Norbit". He was also the voice of Big Smoke on the video game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

In association with the 40th anniversary commemoration of the Wilmington 10 incident, surviving members and others will be recognized during an invitation-only reception on Friday, February 4, at the Wilmington Convention Center.

McCants Communications Group, the North Carolina-based producer of the Wilmington Black Expo, has promoted minority businesses for over a decade through its Black Pages USA directories and its Black Expos in Wilmington, Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Jacksonville, FL, Norfolk, VA, and Virginia Beach, VA.

President Gerry McCants said "African American spending power is approaching a trillion dollars annually, and we have to find a way to harness our economic clout. Our theme this year is "Unifying the Community and Creating Wealth."

Sponsors include Progress Energy, Verizon Wireless, Wachovia - A Wells Fargo Company, UNCW, Coast 97.3, MobileFilmworks.com, the North Carolina Black Film Festival, 100 Black Men of Wilmington, and Greater Diversity News

For more information, tickets, exhibitor booths or sponsorship opportunities, contact Elesia at (877) 273-1709 or visit www.blackexpoweb.com. *