Black Expo to feature business, cultural achievement

Friday, April 11, 2003 | 9:10 a.m.

The second Las Vegas Black Expo is expected to draw about 10,000 people this weekend to the showcase of black achievements in entrepreneurship, culture and business, according to Warren Maxey, its president and organizer.

The expo is 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Cashman Center exhibit hall, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North.

Television and radio commentator Tavis Smiley will appear at the expo noon to 1 p.m. Saturday to sign autographs and books, as well as his "empowerment cards," Maxey said.

Smiley is host of "The Tavis Smiley Show," which is aired locally on KCEP 88.1-FM at 8 a.m. weekdays. He also was host of "BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley."

About 20 percent of this year's exhibitors will be from outside Las Vegas, and the expo has received heavy promotion on Los Angeles radio stations and at the Black Expo in L.A., Maxey said. That led him to estimate last year's attendance of nearly 5,000 would double this year.

Admission to the expo is $6 for adults, free for children 12 and under. For more information, call 212-9503 or visit the website at lasvegasblackexpo.com.