February 1st 2024.
Vickie Lynn McGee was a remarkable woman whose impact continues to be felt in the close-knit community of Beloit, Wisconsin. Through her passion for empowering Black women in business, she founded the Black Women in Business Beloit Expo in 2019. This annual event, also known as the Sixth Annual Black Herstory Day and Black History Month Celebration Expo, is a testament to Vickie's legacy and will be held in her memory.
According to Madison 365, the upcoming expo, which will be the sixth edition, is set to take place on February 10 at the Eclipse Event Center in Beloit from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sadly, Vickie passed away just before the 2023 expo, but her vision lives on through the determination of Paquita Purnell, one of the committee members of the organization. She is committed to ensuring that Vickie's influence and impact continue to thrive.
Purnell shared that everything is falling into place smoothly for this year's expo. In fact, they have reached full vendor capacity with over 60 vendors participating. The event will also feature various speakers, including business owner Janene Stephenson, as noted by Madison 365. Purnell revealed that Vickie hand-picked the committee members to carry on her legacy in case anything happened to her. With the nonprofit status achieved, the organization has already fulfilled one of Vickie's wishes.
"We are checking off her bucket list," Purnell said with pride. Vickie was a multi-talented individual, and in addition to being the driving force behind the Black Women in Business Beloit Expo, she was also an artist, author, and comedian, as reported by the outlet. This year's expo will not only showcase the talents of other Black women entrepreneurs but will also pay tribute to Vickie through an exhibit of her artwork and photographs.
Purnell shared that one of Vickie's main goals was to create an inclusive atmosphere for women attending the expo for the first time. "We know exactly what she envisioned," Purnell said. To honor her memory, Christina Martinez, Vickie's friend from her comedy days, will be hosting the event.
The Black Women in Business Beloit Expo started as a small gathering of Black women entrepreneurs in a tattoo parlor. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged expo that features vendors, sponsors, and a larger venue to accommodate the growing number of attendees. In 2023, the event was even featured in the 2023 SistersInc Rewind as a recap of Black Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Summit.
The 6th Annual Black Women in Business Beloit Expo is a true celebration of Vickie Lynn McGee's life and legacy. Her impact on the community of Beloit and beyond will never be forgotten. As we come together to honor her memory, let us continue to carry on her vision of empowering and uplifting Black women in business.
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