Family-Friendly Fun and Cultural Experiences Await at This Weekend's BlackEXPO

On Mar 30, a team of vendors, performers, and artists will join forces to bring Beijing an event that is much more than just another market. Instead, BlackEXPO, now in its third incarnation, aims to provide an Africa-centric experience as well as a platform for businesses, services, and talents that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Riding off the success of last year's inaugural event, BlackEXPO returns to Dengshikou's 27 Yuan cultural center, attracting various talents and businesses across a wide range of art, entertainment, and cultural sectors in the capital. In addition, there will be workshops and live music througout the day.

Here we speak to the Washington DC-hailing Olivia Nadine, who is both the co-founder of BlackEXPO as well as a baker and social entrepreneur, about what we can expect from Saturday's event.

Can you tell us what BlackEXPO is about?
BlackEXPO is a social enterprise that promotes and supports other businesses. When I first had the idea to organize BlackEXPO, I posted a message on a WeChat group to see who else was interested. [Beijing-based artist] James Sserwadda responded. Whereas my idea was kind of small and just based on the other markets I had attended, James used his creativity and savvy to elevate the idea of what people now know as BlackEXPO, making it into a full event that is proper, engaging, and entertaining. It was through him joining the team that we had the idea of adding entertainers. So, not only are we helping the businesses, but now we’re giving young performers a space to shine.

Why did you decide to create BlackEXPO?
I've been selling my baked goods at various markets for the past couple of years. I saw really good products that are out there and they’re making an impact but I wouldn’t see that many vendors of color. Part of it is just a space thing. When you’re new or less known it’s harder for you to break in because the people who are known and established will get the spots at the markets first.

Knowing that there are really great people out there who have quality products and knowing that you can’t blame the other markets because they can’t fit everyone… why not make a new space? And why not do it in a way that is fun and positive and engaging? On top of all that, it can help people who want to get their businesses out there, who want to grow and who want to have a market impact.

Tell us more about the vendors that will be at this year’s event.
We have several vendors specializing in fashion. This includes African-inspired apparel, custom clothing, backpacks, and purses. There will also be vendors selling beauty and hair care products such as all-natural, organic lotions, creams, and deodorants – everything you need to achieve that beautiful glow. There will also be really good food and beverages. You can find pretty much whatever you want.

Is BlackEXPO just for black people?
I’m glad you asked because that is a super common question. BlackEXPO is open to everyone. One of the great things about it is that you get to learn about new cultures and you get to see new traditions, and you get to see, maybe, people breaking stereotypes. We want everyone to come. We want everyone to experience the joy and the fun and the positivity that is BlackEXPO.

Can children attend?
Absolutely! Kids have a great time. Everything is family friendly and there are lots of great things for them to see and do.

What were some of the highlights of last year’s BlackEXPO?
Not only did we have vendors who were selling out and so were able to make this really great contribution to their community and really push their own dreams forward, but people also had fun while doing it. What I thought would happen is that people would come, buy, and then leave. That didn’t happen. We had people who got there when the doors opened, and they didn’t leave until closing time. People came, saw, and had a good time and through that, a lot of people have been inspired to start their own businesses.

What advice would you give to somebody who desires to start a business but is hesitant?
Just start, but start small. I started by just making a pan of brownies. You don’t have to jump out there and have a logo and a website. You just have to have a great idea and you will get clearer as you go deeper into the process. We didn’t see everything that BlackEXPO could be when I first had the idea, but we are seeing more and more of what it can become each day.

BlackEXPO will take place on Saturday, Mar 30, 11am-6pm at 27 Yuan. Admission costs RMB 20.

Got more time to kill this weekend? See every event on our radar, right here.

A version of this article first appeared on our sister site beijingkids.

Photos: EB Photography