The Texas Black Expo, the state’s largest celebration of Black entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, returns to Houston May 2–4 with a high-powered lineup of speakers, cultural events and business opportunities designed to fuel minority-owned success.
Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the 2025 Summer Celebration embraces the theme Connecting for Contracts, spotlighting the Expo’s mission to drive wealth creation through networking, education, and access to capital.
Founded in 2003, Texas Black Expo, Inc. has long been a powerhouse in fostering entrepreneurship and generational wealth in underserved communities.
“The Texas Black Expo isn’t just an event—it’s a movement,” said Jerome D. Love, TBE founder and CEO. “We’re here to build businesses, elevate entrepreneurs and inspire entire communities to grow together. TBE 2025 is where power meets purpose.”
Economic power meets political muscle
The Expo’s Corporate Awards Luncheon on May 2 will feature keynote speaker John Hope Bryant, founder of Operation HOPE and a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy and economic inclusion. The event will honor game-changers in business and civic leadership, including:
- Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum
- Thomas Jones of McConnell Jones
- Comcast
Expanding its statewide influence, Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds will serve as Honorary Chairperson, while Tarrant County Commissioners Alisa Simmons and Roderick Miles, Jr. and Fort Bend County Commissioners Grady Prestage and Dexter McCoy will take on hosting duties, making this a political and economic summit of historic proportions.
A cultural celebration like no other
It’s not all business—the Expo brings the beats, too. The Old School Outdoor Concert will light up downtown Houston with performances by:
- Big Daddy Kane, hip hop legend
- Chubb Rock, rap icon
- Q Parker, Grammy-nominated singer from 112
The concert, free and open to the public, promises a nostalgic night of classic hip hop and R&B under the stars.
Workshops, pitch competitions & marketplace magic
From empowerment workshops and a youth business pitch competition, to networking mixers and a bustling small business marketplace, TBE 2025 offers something for everyone—from aspiring entrepreneurs to seasoned executives.
The event will also feature appearances by influential figures such as:
- Derrick Hayes, former PepsiCo CEO
- Ashley M. Fox, financial educator and influencer
- Dr. Jake Tyler Jacobs, entrepreneur and executive coach
Join the movement
“This year’s Expo continues our commitment to economic empowerment, business development and cultural celebration,” added Love. “We are thrilled to welcome John Hope Bryant and other industry leaders who are driving real change in our communities. We invite everyone to come out, support Black businesses and be part of this movement.”
For vendor info, partnership opportunities, and tickets to exclusive events like the Corporate Awards Luncheon, visit www.texasblackexpo.com or call 832-200-0540.
