JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The 14th annual Florida Black Expo took over the Prime Osborn Convention Center Saturday.
The event brings together thousands of people in the community for a day of food, music and fun.
"It brings the best that Jacksonville has to offer and what's lovely about it is you have a chance to find great vendors, great entertainment it's a great family event we love it and I'm glad to be here," said Horace Clark, of Watato Whiz.
Attendees to this year's event experienced a little bit of everything. Vendors from nearly every sector, businesses big or small as well as non-profits.
"I'm a local business. I've been in business for five years so it's a great way to promote my business as well as find out other businesses here and support them in my free time," said Tonya Holifield, of Boutique.
"The black expo, in general, is important. It pretty much puts black businesses in front. Black businesses in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Some of the businesses people wouldn't even know about unless something like this happens," Kendra Johnson said.
The expo is also a great opportunity for organizations around our city to spread their message and gain support. One of them News4Jax spoke with was the Jacksonville Coalition of Equality.
"We know African-Americans understand discrimination is wrong and we are hoping they will understand that discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity is something we can all stand up against," said Dan Merkan of the Jacksonville Coalition of Equality.
Channel 4 is a proud sponsor of the event.