2023 CNYS Black Expo Conference Journal

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

OUR MEMBERS come first

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 3 Page 5 Page 7 Page 9-13 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19

Letter from the Founder Mission Business Pitch Contest Expo Schedule 2023 CNYS Black Expo Honoreees 2023 Student Honorees 2023 Bluebird Scholarship Soiree Honorees Board Members Sponors

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

Letter from the Founder It is with great honor that I present to you the 2023 CNYS Black Expo. My mission in creating this expo was to bring resources, education and empowerment to the very community that poured so much into me as a child.

This event is driven by the knowledge, education and experiences that my grandmother, Annette De Lavallade poured into me. So here I am, proud to be from Albany, NY and honored to represent, serve, and highlight all of the greatness that Albany has been, is, and will continue to be.

Thank you to everyone who has shown support and who continue to show support each year.

I am forever grateful.

Tatiana Cunnigham Tatiana Cunnigham Founder

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

2021 CNYSBE Scholarship Gala

2023 Student Honorees Cashay Daniels Janiya Cheatham Iyannah Riversl 2023 Soiree Honorees Tsehaya Smith Annete De’Lavallade Award

Our Mission

Roy Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award

Walter Simpkins

The mission of the Capital of New York State Black Expo is to promote economic growth and business opportunities across New York State. The CNYS Black Expo will provide attendees with health awareness information to support healthy living, along with providing small businesses with an opportunity to access a broad range of potential customers as well as the local community.

Torch Bearer Award

Orville Abrahams Humanitarian Award

Kizzy Williams Champion of Change Award

Prince Sprauve Storytelling Genius Award

Nafeesha Wray Martinez Luminaire Award

Arielle Roberts Trailblazer Award

LaQuita Love

Educator of Beauty and Empowerment Award

LaQueta Alexander Ellis

The CNYS Black Expo, sponsored by SEFCU, is an opportunity to highlight BIPOC owned small businesses and provide a platform to raise visibility for their goods and services. With over 165 vendors, 6 workshops, and an evening gala, there is something for everyone!

Saturday November 19th is one full day of culture, community, and connection, celebrating African American History.

Shining Star Award

Tony Bussey Community Commitment Award

2023 Community Honorees Lakisha Foy Educator of Natural Beauty Award

Sharon John NY Unsung Hero Award

Amanda Wray Woman’s Entrepreneur Award

Greg Sheldon Community Acitivist Award

Rae’ Frasier Creative Expression Award

Yolanda Morrisey

Health and Wellness Award

For more information, you can go to our website: www.cnysblackexpo.com or go to our facebook CNYS Black Expo.

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Derek Johnson Albany South End Vanguard Award

David Traynham

Outstanding Commitment to the Community Award

WWW.CNYSBLACKEXPO.COM

CNYS Black Expo Program Program

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

Congratulations on the

12:15 PM - Introduction & Opening Remarks from the CNYS Black Expo Team: • • • • • • • • • •

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TH

Annual

Founder- Tatiana Cunningham Executive Advisor- Erin H. Maybin Executive Community Outreach- Mark Sharpe Executive Entertainment & Program Director Nafeesha Wray Executive Entertainment Coordinator- Nubian Lawrence Executive Digital Director- Muza Zwana Administrative Coordinator- Allison Miles Scholarship & Volunteer Coordinator- Tyhisha Ghaffar - Adjei Scholarship & Volunteer Coordinator Assistant- Aisha White Community Outreach Coordinator- Salisa Brandon

Capital of New York State Black Expo!

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Battle Rap Corner Wit Beast (Check him out on Youtube: @Nyce_DaBeast) A collaboration between 25 To Liifeee Battle League & Unbias Battle Ground. Here to show the 518 the creativity, competitiveness, showmanship & unique dynamic of battle rap. One of the rawest forms of hip hop.

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Battlers: Main Event- Vonnie Villen vs Phyny Undercard- Porsche Da Don vs Illah

12:30 PM - CNYS Black Expo Community Awards Honoring our Community Pillars in the Capital District • • • • • •

Yolanda Morrisey- Health & Wellness Award Rae’ Frasier- Creative Expression Award David Traynham- Outstanding Commitment to the Community Award Greg Sheldon- Community Activist Award Amanda Wray- Women’s Entrepreneur Award Derek Johnson- Albany South End Vanguard Award

12:45 PM- 12:55 PM - Sponsor NYSTEC

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

Celebrate Black Culture at the Capital of New York State Black Expo

Business Pitch Winners Will Be

Announced at this Years CNYS Black Expo The business pitch competition aims to foster creativity, encourage entrepreneurial spirit, and provide a launchpad for business success. The application process is open to small businesses that are in the early stages of development (1-5 years in business) and have an annual gross less than $100,000. We are aware that many under served small businesses do not pass the $100,000 threshold annually, this is one of the many reasons why CNYS Black Expo creates opportunities that empower, uplift and support our fellow small business owners.

Business Pitch Winner Will Be Announced at this Years CNYS Black Expo!! 11/11/23

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THE GUARDIANS OF AL-FITRAH "Tyhisha is the centerpiece of this

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO Aaron Carter Founder of Ujima Journey organizing effort to help meet the needs of a food shortage in the Black and Brown

Serving the poor, hungry,

hurt, broken, and forgotten.

communities in Albany. Working

Jerome Brown

with sister Tyhisha has been a

Director Trinity Alliance/518 Snug "Tyhisha is very passionate about redirecting our youth against violence and guiding them towards moral excellence. Tyhisha has been a volunteer with our program for several years and has been an instrumental part of our success in planning and implementing our events."

blessing and a labor of love."

Thanks to Tru Heart, inc. & The Guardians of Al-Fitrah for Their Scholarship Support.

Here to feed you and your spirit.

Call Queen (347) 313-5516

The Guardians of Al-Fitrah The Guardians of Al-Fitrah is a not-for-profit street ministry founded in NYC in 2007 by Tyhisha A. Ghaffar-Adjei.

Our mission is to provide food, clothing, and spiritual enlightenment to the poor, homeless, hungry, wayfarer, hurt, and broken souls.

Tyhisha A. Ghaffer-Adjei

Founder of The Guardians of Al-Fitrah

is a long-term humanitarian &

philanthropist, community activist and organizer of events. Highly spiritual, loyal, honest, direct, and

A L B A N YInterfaith , N EPartnership W Y OforRthe K Homeless

"Tyhisha is no stranger to IPH. For the past ten years, she has been volunteering her time and preparing meals for the homeless community. Janine Roitallie, Executive Director for IPH stated “Tyhisha’s passion for helping individuals who are experiencing challenges such as homelessness is inspiring."

compassionate soul who has a vivacious energy.

Email:

Queen3333@yahoo.com Phone: (347) 313-5516 Facebook:

Tyhisha A.Ghaffer-Adeji

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

CNYS Black Expo Program Doors Open @ 11:00am

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

CNYS Black Expo Program Program 11:00 AM - Opening Prayer, The Gift of Ministry by Pastor Heidi 11:05 AM - Leading Praise performed by Barbara Howard 11:20 AM - Take a Ride with Faith and Discipline

By Poet Kadina Malloy 11:30 AM - Artpartners - Tsehaya & Co African and Contemporary Dance Tribute

Performed by the longest running black owned dance studio in the

Capital District located at 103 Ontario St. in Albany, NY. 11:40 AM - The Sankofa Travelling Museum Presents:

A visual tour of Black Excellence

Hosted by Brother Malik & The Young Saviors Academy 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Fireside Chat Corner Breakout Session Building Economic Empowerment Brought to you by S3H and The BACK Community Tyrell Hughes (Community Engagement, Financial Coach) Nishaea Richardson (Final Coach, Community Engagement) Eldon Harris (Financial Advisor) Breakout Session Building Blocks Together Community Conversation on Home Ownership Virginia Rawlins (Realtor, Community Engagement) Breakout Session Childcare 101 The Importance of Black Owned Daycares in Our Communities Dominicaka Turner & Amanda Wray 12:05 PM - The Bluebird Organization, Inc. Scholarship Awards sponsored by Tru heart: Congratulate the scholarship recipients from the Capital Region!

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

CNYS Black Expo Program Program

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WWW.CNYSBLACKEXPO.COM

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

CNYS Black Expo Program Program

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WWW.CNYSBLACKEXPO.COM

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

Let Us Help You Turn Your Concepts Into Creation.

EMBROIDERY, DIRECT TO GARMENT (DTG) and DIRECT TO FILM printing.

PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEOGRAPHY For Assistance Call (518) 915-0574 or (518)496-7533

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“THEY GOT WALL STREET!!

WE GOT ALLSTREETS!!

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

2023 CNYS Black Expo Honorees Saturday, November 11, 2023

Empire State Plaza Convention Center || Albany, NY

Lakisha Foy Educator of Natural Beauty Award Sharon John NY Unsung Hero Award Amanda Wray Woman’s Entrepreneur Award Greg Sheldon Community Acitivist Award Rae’ Frasier Creative Expression Award Yolanda Morrisey Health and Wellness Award Derek Johnson Albany South End Vanguard Award David Traynham Outstanding Commitment to the Community Award

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

Meet the 2023 Student Honorees!

We at the CNYS Black Expo are proud to announce our 2023 featured honorees. Our honorees were nominated by local community members who saw a need to support and empower these local students who are achieving excellence in our community. Your Scholarship donations cover the Student Honorees scholarships and all fees for them to attend the Gala and Expo with a guest of their choice . Thank you Tru Heart , Inc. and all of our Scholarship Contributors for all of your support.

PRESENTER

Sam Ibrahim Trueheart

• Cashay Daniels • Janiya Cheatham • Iyannah Rivers ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

Bluebird Scholarship Soiree Honorees 2023 To be Presented on Sunday, November 12, 2023 Rensselaer Banquet & Conferece Facility || Troy, NY

Tsehaya Smith Annete De’Lavallade Award Roy Vincent Lifetime Achievement Award Walter Simpkins Torch Bearer Award Orville Abrahams Humanitarian Award Kizzy Williams Champion of Change Award Prince Sprauve Storytelling Genius Award Nafeesha Wray Martinez Luminaire Award Arielle Roberts Trailblazer Award LaQuita Love Educator of Beauty and Empowerment Award LaQueta Alexander Ellis Shining Star Award Tony Bussey Community Commitment Award 17

WWW.CNYSBLACKEXPO.COM

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

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WWW.CNYSBLACKEXPO.COM

2023 | CAPITAL OF NEW YORK STATE BLACK EXPO

ALBANY, NEW YORK

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