Question 1

Registration & Networking Begins (Coffee & Connections) (8:30AM ET)

Accepted Answer

All guests are welcome to check in at registration to receive badges and lanyards.

Question 2

MBE Kick Off Begins  (10:00 AM ET)

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Mass Black Expo kicks off

Question 3

President's Keynote Address  (10:10AM ET)

Accepted Answer

Nicole ObiPresident & CEOBlack Economic Council of Massachusetts

Question 4

Owing to Owning, Building a New Reality for Black Wealth in Massachusetts (10:30 AM ET)

Accepted Answer

Drawing on the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s ECHOS Wealth Report, this conversation will examine what the data reveals about debt and wealth among Black households in Massachusetts, where gaps in the data remain, and the factors contributing to persistent wealth disparities.Segun IdowuModeratorSolidarity Institutions FellowBoston Ujima ProjectDr. James JenningsProfessor Emeritus, Urban & Environmental Policy & PlanningTufts UniversityNicole ObiPresident & CEOBECMANia EvansExecutive DirectorBoston Ujima ProjectDemond MartinCEOWellWithAll

Question 5

A Keynote Conversation with John Hope Bryant (11:30AM ET)

Accepted Answer

John Hope Bryant built Operation HOPE from the ground up in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, walking into burned communities not with a protest sign but with a banker's bus. Three decades later, it's grown into the largest Black-founded and Black-led nonprofit in the country by budget, having directed more than $5 billion in economic activity into underserved communities and served more than 4 million people through its HOPE Inside centers.In April 2026, Forbes named him one of the 250 Greatest Self-Made Americans in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary, placing him alongside Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, and Dr. Dre. He's also a seven-time bestselling author. His newest book, Capitalism for All: Inclusive Economics and the Future-Proofing of America, debuted as a national bestseller this year with forewords from Michael Milken, Ed Bastian, and Ambassador Andrew Young.Through the 1 Million Black Businesses Initiative, co-founded with Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke, Bryant has helped launch more than 450,000 Black-owned businesses. He's advised five U.S. presidents, from Reagan through Obama, and in 2015 became the only private citizen in American history to inspire the renaming of a building on the White House campus, the Freedman's Bank Building.

Question 6

Lunch (12:00PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Lunch for all.

Question 7

John Hope Bryant Book Signing Reception & Luncheon (Private Reception)

Accepted Answer

The John Hope Bryant Experience includes one Mass Black Expo General Admission ticket, a Meet & Greet with John Hope Bryant, a pre-signed copy of Capitalism for All: Inclusive Economics and the Future-Proofing of America, and food and refreshments.

Question 8

Exhibitor Pavilion Opens (12:30PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Explore the Black-Owned Pavilion featuring more than 50 Black-owned businesses from across Massachusetts. Connect with entrepreneurs, discover products and services, and support businesses from across the Commonwealth.

Question 9

BECMA Compass Unveiling Workshop (1:15PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses access capital, contracts, and other opportunities. This workshop will explore how AI can support greater access for Black-owned businesses, with Chris Hope and Stephen Walter of The Hope Group sharing insights on responsible, community-centered AI. The session will conclude with a live demo and public unveiling of BECMA Compass, an AI-powered RFP and grant aggregator designed to help Black-owned businesses find funding opportunities and compete for contracts more efficiently. Abdullateef LawalProgram ManagerBECMAChris HopeCEOThe Hope GroupStephen WalterAI Tools Inventor & Technical LeadThe Hope Group

Question 10

Rewriting the Black Wealth Playbook: Cooperative Economics, Real Estate & Financial Healing Panel (1:15PM ET)

Accepted Answer

This conversation will explore the early-stage and growth capital Black-owned businesses need to move from idea to scale, with a focus on the financial runway founders need to build, grow, and position their businesses for long-term sustainability.Naima McQueenModerator, Training & Education DirectorRunway RootsLuther E. PinckneyPrincipalPinckney Hospitality ConsultingPreston PriceChief Lending OfficerRunway RootsJustin MerrickManaging Director of Communities and PartnershipsBoston Ujima Project

Question 11

Senator to Senator: A Fireside Chat with Senator Markey & Edwards (2:00PM ET)

Accepted Answer

This conversation will bring together U.S. Senator Ed Markey and State Senator Lydia Edwards, moderated by BECMA’s Randy Beltre, to examine the federal and state policies shaping Black economic opportunity in Massachusetts. The discussion will explore small business support, economic equity, and pathways to generational wealth, while connecting decisions made in Washington and on Beacon Hill to the realities facing Black entrepreneurs and business owners across the Commonwealth. U.S. Senator Ed MarkeyCommonwealth of MassachusettsState Senator Lydia Edwards1st Suffolk and Middlesex DistrictRandy BeltreModerator, Chief of PolicyBECMA

Question 12

The Real Cost of the Grind: Entrepreneurship Beyond the Highlight Reel Panel (2:00 PM ET)

Accepted Answer

This candid conversation will explore the parts of entrepreneurship social media doesn’t always show, from cash flow challenges and failed launches to burnout, self-doubt, and the discipline it takes to keep moving through setbacks. The session will create space for founders to speak honestly about the realities of building a business while sharing practical insights on resilience and what it takes to keep going.Dr. Charmain JackmanModerator, CEO & PsychologistInnoPsychSeun OluwoleManaging PartnerVectrel GroupDavid ConsoleCEORedcon SecurityJayme WashingtonFounderWashtone MediaThe CMO Connext

Question 13

Our Health, Our Wealth, Our Future: Black Opportunity in the Green Economy Panel (2:45PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Massachusetts’ transition to clean energy is creating opportunities across construction, transportation, professional services, technology, manufacturing, and building operations. This conversation will explore where Black-owned businesses can participate in the growing green economy and how environmental health, economic opportunity, and long-term community resilience are connected.Edward HsiehModerator, Senior Program DirectorMassCECJonathan NevesCEOGreen Energy MechanicalDr. Bisola OjikutuCommissioner of Public Health & Executive DirectorBoston Public Health CommissionAnthony Moore Jr.Director of Programs and Climate & Sustainability LeadBECMA

Question 14

Small Teams, Big Impact: Using AI & Automation to Scale Your Business Panel (2:45PM ET)

Accepted Answer

AI is creating new opportunities for small businesses to build capabilities that once required larger teams, more capital, and years of infrastructure. This conversation will explore how Black-owned businesses can use AI across operations, marketing, compliance, customer service, healthcare, cybersecurity, and workforce development, while also examining what it takes to adopt these tools responsibly and without a large budget or technical background.Sabrina MansurModerator, Executive DirectorMassachusetts AI HubEugene B. GreenOwnerClearScope Technology Solutions (CTS)Jennifer NgureCEOImara Health AI ConsultingDorcas "Beth" Bethsaida Griffith FounderRenewable Renegades

Question 15

The Green Book: Black Business, Safe Spaces & Economic Opportunity Panel (2:45PM ET)

Accepted Answer

The Negro Motorist Green Book was more than a travel guide. It documented a network of Black-owned businesses that provided safety, services, and economic opportunity during segregation. This conversation will explore that legacy and its continued relevance to Black entrepreneurship, community building, and wealth creation, while connecting the history of these trusted business networks to the role Black-owned businesses continue to play across Massachusetts today.Lisa JoynerModerator, Regional Community Development ManagerTD BankClarrissa CropperCo-OwnerFrugal BookstoreNia GraceCEOGrace by Nia Uptown Social Bar and Kitchen HospitalityFrank Poindexter JrFounderWally's Cafe Jazz Club

Question 16

General Public Mid-Day Break (3:35PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Get some snacks, listen to some music, and network at the Expo!

Question 17

Fireside Chat with Attorney General Andrea Campbell (4:00PM ET)

Accepted Answer

This conversation with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell will explore how consumer protection, corporate accountability, civil rights, and enforcement shape the ability of Black businesses and families to protect and build wealth. The discussion will examine the role of the Attorney General’s Office in addressing unfair and predatory business practices, protecting economic opportunity, and helping small businesses understand and exercise their rights. The office’s work includes consumer protection, fraud prevention, civil rights enforcement, and action against unfair or deceptive business practices.Andrea CampbellAttorney GeneralCommonwealth of MassachusettsCourtney BrunsonModerator, Senior Director of Economic Equity InitiativesThe Boston Foundation

Question 18

Closing Remarks (4:45PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Nicole ObiPresident & CEO BECMA

Question 19

Onsite Reception (5:05PM ET)

Accepted Answer

Join us as we close out the Mass Black Expo! Grab apps and drinks, and take advantage of an opportunity to network & connect!

AGENDA