DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – The QC Empowerment Network hosted its 11th annual Black Business Expo at NorthPark Mall on Saturday, drawing nearly 70 Black-owned vendors — a record-breaking number for the event.
The expo, held in celebration of Black History Month, featured a range of products from Black-owned businesses as well as community performances. It was the first time the event was held at NorthPark Mall.
The QC Empowerment Network hosted its 11th annual Black Business Expo at NorthPark Mall on Saturday.Organizer reflects on record turnout
Tracy Singleton, organizer and COO of the QC Empowerment Network, spoke about the significance of the vendor milestone and the role small businesses play for many participants.
“It’s almost a necessity these days if you don’t have a two-income household to figure out how you’re going to get more income into the house,” Singleton said. “So I do feel like a lot of this is out of necessity, but it is a way that people can take a passion that they have and make it a paycheck.”
Vendor highlights cultural mission
Michelle Dixon, owner of Clovey Graphic Tees and a returning vendor at the expo, said the event serves a purpose beyond commerce.
“It’s to keep Black history relevant, you know, especially with our generation a lot of times things fall off and we are not educated,” Dixon said. “Knowing our history is so important to our generation and for future generations to come.”
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