As someone who enjoys fun and festive community events, I am more than happy to report on one of the best events in the area that took place over the weekend, the Black Expo. This was my second visit to the annual expo, which is held during Black History Month and provides a means of networking and showcasing the best of black business and culture.

I was eager to see what had changed between last year and this. I heard from some who can remember the expo's past, and it is heartening to learn that it has come a long way since it began 14 years ago.

No longer an obscure event with little fanfare or sponsorship, the Black Expo welcomed thousands of people over the weekend. More than 100 sponsors, exhibitors and vendors participated in the expo at the Convention Center, with its theme "Tapping our Green Power." The goal was to educate and call upon Sacramento’s black community to become more engaged in green technologies and resources, said Cheryl Brownlee, consultant and expo committee member.

“Each year we are trying to find ways to better inform our community about what’s happening, and this is our 14th year of doing this event, so we wanted to reflect what is happening in the future and green technologies reflect that,” said Brownlee. Companies such as SMUD, PG&E, Regional Transit, Caltrans, Los Rios Community College District, and General Mills are among major sponsors of this year’s expo.

“We feel it’s important to be here to increase our diversity efforts and give back to the community," said Holly Brown, Membership Representative of Schools Financial Credit Union in Sacramento. Those efforts toward environmentally friendly energy use are meant to accelerate the understanding of African Americans and others should have about the importance of a green-oriented economy.

The green theme was obvious from the displays in the exhibit hall as well as the countless Black Expo “Tapping Our Green Power” bags on people's arms. What representatives of the expo such as Brownlee want people to know is that the need for more information and a change in environmental policies, investments and funding sources is essential. Such changes, she emphasized, will lead to more jobs and a better economy for everyone.

However, not everything at the expo was about going green. Some highlights: a keynote address by Susan Taylor, the National CARES Mentoring Movement founder and editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence Magazine; the Glory Awards, which honored several spiritual leaders for outstanding service; a community breakfast for leaders under the age of 30; and the Stars of Tomorrow talent show. The weekend’s events also included business and job workshops, kids and crafts activities, and a gospel program on Sunday.

And most important, what is a good community event without good food? There were several options, including Minnie’s Cornbread House, El Shaddai Liberian food, G-Dubbs Barbeque and Healthy Eats. The food lines were never short but kept moving, making for easy sampling of tasty dishes.

Those who missed this year's Black Expo should plan to attend next year's. It's a thought-provoking and community-building event.