Black Women's Expo presents inaugural #SheMatters Award posthumously to Sandra Bland

CHICAGO - April 7, 2016 - PRLog -- The Black Women's Expo, one of Chicago's most anticipated annual experiential events, will host their Phenomenal Woman Awards Reception on Thursday, April 7,paying tribute to ten outstanding Chicago area women whose excellence in a variety of fields commands recognition. The event  will be held at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Continental Ballroom. The event will be emceed by ABC 7's Karen Jordan.

The inaugural #SheMatters Award will be presented posthumously to Sandra Bland, the 28-year-old Naperville woman who authorities say hanged herself in a Texas jail cell on July 10, 2015.  Bland's was among a number of deaths in police custody or during arrest that propelled the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Her mother, Geneva Reed-Veal will accept the award. The #SheMatters Award is given to a woman who has  impacted the country's way of thinking about the value of African-American life.

WHAT:          Phenomenal Woman Awards presented by The Black Women's Expo

WHEN:          Tonight - Thursday, April 7, 2016

         6:00 p.m.

WHERE:          Hilton Chicago, Continental Ballroom

WHO:          The 2016 Phenomenal Woman honorees are:  Corporate -  Corliss Garner, BMO Harris; Community Service- Torrey Richardson, Dear Father Letter Writing Movement; Education- Carol "Safisha" Lee, PhD
The Betty Shabazz International Charter Schools; Health- JoAnne Glenn, W.O.T. Foundation, Inc.; Faith-Based- Rev. Janette Wilson, Rainbow Push; Entrepreneur - Fallon Johnson, Annie Bell Fragrances; Political- Kim Foxx, Cook County Government; Philanthropy- Nicole Robinson, Mondelez; Launa T. Thompson Spirit Award - Angela Ingram, iHeart Media Markets Group, Chicago Region.

Photo and Interview Opportunities

Entertainment - Gospel Artist Km Stratton

About The Black Woman's Expo

The Black Women's Expo is the nation's foremost exposition targeting the African American consumer market.  It is a weekend that empowers, enlightens and uplifts African American women and their families with informative seminars and panel discussions presented by notable local and national speakers and lecturers, educational exhibits and corporate displays, and rousing entertainment.  Historically, the standing-room only seminars have addressed such issues as health & wellness, racial equality, hair & beauty, travel, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more.

In addition, BWe also offers African American consumers themed pavilions including the Beauty Bar, which will showcase cosmetic products; the Food Oasis, where minority food manufactures provide food samples; the Literary Café, which showcases African American authors and booksellers; the Natural Hair pavilion, which products for natural hairstyles are featured; the Health & Wellness pavilion, where local medical institutions provide much-needed health screenings.

Expo hours are Friday, April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $6 for children; weekend passes are available for $45.  Tickets for The Black Women's Expo can be purchased online at www.theblackwomensexpo.com . Half-priced, advanced adult tickets are currently on sale at participating Walgreens stores. For information or tickets for the Phenomenal Woman Awards Reception, call 312-454-6100.  Follow The Black Women's Expo on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram and use the hashtag #SheMatters.