(ThyBlackMan.com) The Black Expo of 2015 can be seen as a success in many ways not just economically, although that is important in its significance to show the value of Black dollars. The cultural influences of businesses, entrepreneurs, ministries, educational entities, community based groups that work with youth, teens, young adults and even the seniors of the community can be seen as a polarizing force for community unification, cultural pride and social influence. #BlackBusinessesDoMatter
The Black Expo should be seen that in order for Blacks to see economic change in their communities they must make the changes themselves by investing in their own communities,
investing in their youth, investing in the educational system, investing in STEM/STEAM community projects; not waiting for outside entities or government to tell Blacks what to do, how to do it and when to do it, then turn around and take Black dollars from Black communities to re-invest in other areas that do not help Black families. #IndenturedServitudedHasEnded
The presence of businesses like Angie Nixon and her daughter Natalie (The Adventures of Moxie Girl), to the educational and community volunteerism of young people like Taylor Richardson, “An Agent of STEAM,” to the Teen Leaders of America (Marcia Brown, Executive Director), and even new groups that are servicing the teens of Jacksonville, Florida.
Youth, teens and young adults do have outlets to express their creative abilities, there are things to do in Jacksonville just for youth, 
teens and our young adults like the Jax Youth Poetry Slam, Inc. that opens doors for youth to use poetry, spoken word and even dramatizations to express their experiences in life, Creating New Directions is working with youth to excel in life through education and mentoring. Reader Theater and the Black Superheroes highlights the successes of ex-slaves and the historical contributions of Blacks through theatrical reading and acting. There are more………. #BlackYouthNeedSupport
There can be no doubt that African Americans / Blacks / People of Color or whatever new terms are being used for this, and in this new generation are being applied are showing that there is still economic power and influence within the Black / African American communities. Business mentorship is vital to keep Black businesses running and contributing to the community. The Black community cannot afford to criticize each other, talk down to each other or stab each other in the back because the consequences affect us all. The mental influence to Black youth when they see Black businesses at the Black Expo carries enormous pride and dignity and shows the value of education, mentoring, hard work, and participation/contribution in their communities. To take pride in their abilities and to learn how to Market and Brand themselves in
positive directions, not what is seen in the media with negativity. #BlackYouthNeedMentors
The pride of business owners can be seen in their professional mannerisms, attention to professional dress and speech, and application of diverse technologies. The importance of having a 30 to 60 second “pitch” is seen as you hear enthusiastic presentations not just to sell something, but to inform, educate and encourage. Passing out business cards, flyers, DVD’s, posters and taking selfies to post online. These are all tools to share content that creates interests, forms valuable relationships and helps to build clients, customers and even volunteers for community projects.
What Should You Take Away from the Black Expo 2015;
1. cultural pride,
2. gender growth (there are increased businesses run by women),
3. increased cultural and self-esteem,
4. being prepared at all times,
5. proper planning to prepare for potential partnerships,
6. building sound business sense,
7. having a business plan,
8. always have business cards handy,
9. awareness to effectively use technology and Social Media in positive ways,
10. involving youth/teens to teach them business etiquette,
11. involve teens in activities that teach business management,
12. the value of education and being a life-long learner,
13. how to properly network,
14. no room for being shy, scared or complacent,
15. the power of a handshake, a smile and direct eye contact.
16. stay in contact with potential clients.
17. use free services from the Better Business Bureau, Small Business Association and other groups.
18. attend workshops and conferences,
19. know your value,
20. plan monthly and yearly to manage budgets
Two key points, the Black community will only grow as its youth, teens and young adults grow. They need community and school mentors in programs like 5000 Role Models of Duval County Public Schools, E3 Business Group programs (So You Want to be an Entrepreneur) and even the Call Me Mister program of Edward Waters College that helps build young men to become
educators.
The Black Expo of 2015 should not end with business as usual there should be transformative growth, increased networking events in the Black community, increased re-investment/investment opportunities, educational support in schools and sharing of resources to increase the strength of community initiatives that build Black businesses.
Don’t let next year’s Black Expo 2016 be the only place where you meet the same people and make the same promise to do the same thing with the same results.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.