Another successful hit as thousands attend Circle of Sisters EXPO in New York City

From October 15 – 16, the annual Circle of Sisters EXPO by WBLS invaded the Jacob Javits Center in New York City for a fun filled, interactive experience for its attendees.

This year, Unheard Voices had the pleasure and opportunity to cover the wonderful event. We will say personally, as our first experience covering, the event was nothing short of amazing.

About 2016 Circle of Sisters EXPO

Presented by AARP New York, Circle of Sisters is the largest EXPO in New York City uniting, motivating and celebrating women of color. Some of the biggest names in entertainment, health, food, businesses and more came together with one main purpose: to celebrate women.

“Circle of Sisters is one of our key, annual events,” states Charlie Morgan, Market Manager of Emmis New York.

“The final number of attendees is not in yet; however,we know it was similar to last year’s EXPO. We would like to thank our audience,clients and partners for making it another successful year!”

Last year, it was nearly 50,000 people in attendance. This year I can definitely say this year topped last’s year attendance.

Experience

The experience of Circle of Sisters EXPO gives attendees to shop among over 250+ vendors, watch performances, engage with celebrities, watch and learn new cooking techniques, sit in on small break out sessions, and engage in enlightening panel discussions.

Circle of Sisters EXPO performances

This year, the performance stage was kicked off by Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band. Around the Circle of Sisters EXPO floor, Chef Vonda McPherson took to the Healthfirst Culinary Corner to wet everyone’s appetite.

Red Carpet Panel Circle of Sisters EXPO

As vendors promoted various products and services throughout the EXPO floor, the Special Events Hall got hopping, as the Red Carpet Panel drew in hundreds of attendees.

Clifton Powell, currently starring in Saints & Sinners; Rotimi, singer and actor in Power; Mona Scott Young, CEO of Monami Entertainment and producer of Love & Hip Hop; Ninja Devoe, currently starring in Queen Sugar on the Oprah Winfrey Network and in Marvel’s Luke Cage on Netflix; and television & panel host, Shannon LaNier, spoke on the opportunities available for African American actors in the film and television industry.

Talk Back With Common and Rev. Al Sharpton

Unfortunately, we made it right after the Red Carpet Panel, but came just in time for the “Talk Back With Common and Rev. Al Sharpton” on the importance of voting in the upcoming election and making your voice heard on issues.

Black in America forum

The Talk Back was followed by an amazing Black in America forum with of Gwen Carr, Wanda Johnson, Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, and Valerie Castile, who were joined by Benjamin L. Crump and moderators Judge Glenda Hatchett and Fatiyn Muhammad, to discuss police brutality within the African American community.

Mothers of Eric Garner, Philando Castile at Circle of Sisters Expo

Valerie Castile, the mother of Philando Castile, said it best when she asked,

“Where in the world do you tell truth, be honest and get killed?”

“How to Change the Current Paradigm” panel

The conversation continued later in the day at the “How to Change the Current Paradigm” panel with
HOT 97’s Ebro, WLIB’s Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Opal Tometi from the Black Lives Matter movement, Kassandra Frederique from the Drug Policy Alliance, Bishop Darren A. Ferguson from the Multicultural Exchange, and WBLS’s Bob Slade and Bob Pickett.

The panelists discussed how the current election is affecting the state of Black America, with Ebro declaring, “Until we get active in our local communities…we are not going to see the change that we want. It’s going to take us a generation to make the changes we want to see.”

MetroPlus Performance Stage Circle of Sisters EXPO

The day continued with performances from Mario, Joe, and Ro James on the MetroPlus Performance Stage, and a special one-on-one with Jennifer Holliday from The Color Purple on Broadway, as attendees geared up for the final event of the day: the Ashley Stewart Fashion Show!

Sunday worship at Circle of Sisters EXPO

On Sunday, October 16th, the Jacob Javits Center was in praise in worship as early events started with an energetic and enlightening Gospel service, led by WLIB’s own Bishop Hezekiah Walker.

Health discussion

The gospel service was followed by some informative sessions with SONYMA and the American Heart Association and panel educational discussion on women’s health from psychologist & professor, Dr. Jeff Gardere; activist & author, Terrie Williams; military captain & Miss USA, Deshauna Barber; actress & producer, Vanessa Bell Calloway; HIV/AIDS activist, Maria Davis; and the Midwest Regional Director for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Tracy Jones.

The discussion touched upon various health topics African American women face in their daily lives.

When speaking on breast cancer, Vanessa Bell Calloway advised to, “Just get a mammogram. It’s really that simple…wouldn’t you rather know the truth than be shocked 2 years later?”

During the discussion on HIV/AIDS, Maria Davis shared, “Forget the shame and the stigma in our community, we have to get rid of that…we have to take charge, the government is not going to save us, we have to save us.”

Healthfirst Culinary Corner

In the Healthfirst Culinary Corner, celebrity chef & television host, Pat Neely, was cooking up a storm with his one-of-a-kind blackened salmon alongside some yummy herb rice.

Robin Roberts

The afternoon continued on as WBLS’s Shaila hosted a special one-on-one sit down with bestselling author and co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, Robin Roberts, to discuss her extinguished career and continue the discussion on the health challenges women face.

When asked which interview has stuck out in her career, Robin said there were too many to name, but that she has, “really enjoyed the conversations I’ve had with Michelle and Barack Obama these past 8 years.”

B. Smith & Dan Gasby

Following Robin Roberts, B. Smith & Dan Gasby took to the stage to share their personal journey, and how they cope with B. Smith’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

Dan shared this loving statement: “The most important thing you can do is take care of yourself…if it wasn’t for black women, we’d be in real bad shape!”

Gospel Explosion

The activities continued on throughout the afternoon, with the entire event wrapping up at the sold-out MetroPCS Gospel Explosion featuring performances by Hezekiah Walker, Tye Tribbett, VaShawn Mitchell, and JJ Hairston, with special guest Luenell, who opened the concert with her amazing stand-up comedy.

To see more from Circle of Sisters, including exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the celebrity guests, head to WBLS.com.

AARP New York’s Circle of Sisters was presented by EmblemHealth, and made possible by AT&T, Healthfirst, Consumer Reports, Ashley Stewart, MetroPlus Health Plan, MetroPCS, Fidelis Care, StateFarm, SONYMA, Maybelline, SheaMoisture, InVite Health, Disney Destinations, MTA, MajorWorld, McDonald’s All Day Breakfast, American Heart Association, AIDS Health Foundation, EXPG, Nyack College, Center for NYC Neighborhoods, The Color Purple on Broadway, NYC Health+Hospitals | Harlem, Nubian Heritage, FOX 5 NY, Village Voice, and Black Enterprise.