Another successful year for WBLS Circle of Sisters

Circle of Sisters 2015 drew major figures from entertainment, finance, politics, and business to the Jacob Javits Center this past weekend for New York City’s largest EXPO celebrating women of color.

Event Overview

Circle of Sisters 2015, hosted by WBLS 107.5 FM and WQHT HOT 97 FM, brought together more than 250 vendors, live performances, and a full slate of panels. The EXPO highlighted empowerment, community, and economic opportunity for women of color.

Deon Levingston, General Manager of Emmis NY, said the event reached record participation and attendance. He noted the surge in vendors, the 55,000 attendees, and the star‑powered moments that kept crowds engaged throughout the weekend.

Circle of Sisters 2015 Highlights and Star Appearances

Attendees enjoyed intimate conversations and standout moments, including:

• Bobby Brown’s one‑on‑one discussion
• A talk with Jennifer Hudson and the cast of The Color Purple
• A panel with the men of BET’s Being Mary Jane
• A conversation with the cast of Starz’s Power about the shift from reality TV to scripted drama

Levingston emphasized the event’s growth, pointing to additions such as the Man Cave and the merchandise booth, which offered Circle of Sisters souvenirs.

Photo Credit : Walik Goshorn

Food, Music, and Live Performances

The HealthFirst Cooking Pavilion featured demonstrations from celebrity chefs Bobby Brown, Pat Neely, Jeff Vaden, and host Nikki Shaw. Their sessions drew steady crowds and offered practical, healthy cooking tips.

Circle of Sisters R&B Live, presented by MajorWorld, energized Saturday night. Chaka Khan headlined the concert, joined by Avant and Jaheim. Their performances kept the audience dancing late into the evening.

On Sunday morning, WLIB’s Bishop Hezekiah Walker led a spiritual service that set a reflective tone before the EXPO resumed with more panels and performances.

Circle of Sisters 2015 Gospel Finale

The EXPO closed with the MetroPCS Gospel Explosion. Brian Courtney Wilson, Tasha Cobbs, Tina Campbell, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, and others lifted the crowd with powerful, soulful performances.

Check out an interview with Miss Jessie’s Miko Branch