Coming Soon 2023
Join the National Black Worker Center Project for the Working While Black Expo

Enjoy a weekend-long Black worker empowerment gathering with music, food, workshops, an apprenticeship fair, film festival, dynamic speakers, not-to-be-missed workshops, and discussions that will engage, surprise, challenge, and educate.

Missed the Expo this year?

Why attend the Expo?

Five learning tracks, films, keynote speakers, a marketplace and Black economic art exhibit personalize the Expo. Workshops, discussions and hands-on experience support collaboration, learning and networking. Find out what more to expect below.
Working While Black
Working smart means knowing the lay of the land and exercising your rights on the job. Learn your rights, organize your workplace, and dive into issues that impact the job market.
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Black Table Talks
Featuring insightful guests and no-holds-barred topics, we'll discuss everything from being LGBTQ and Black at work to corporate clapbacks.
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Apprenticeship Fair
A solid, middle-class job may be within reach when you sign up for a structured apprenticeship program that mixes on-the-job experience with classroom learning under the care of seasoned tradespeople.
Read More "Apprenticeship Fair"
Black Culture Connections
Find out how to tell a story that makes a difference, create a podcast, use political theater to organize your community and discuss Black hair matters at work.
Read More "Black Culture Connections"
Workshops
Meet social and economic justice activists, find out how to identify the leaders in your community, how voting can make a difference and join discussions on such topics as the economy of Black workers, how gentrification affects community health and how to organize around environmental issues.
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Black Knowledge Exchange
Work smarter not harder. Gain valuable insights on managing your finances, handling legal issues, and other ways to level up.

Read More "Black Knowledge Exchange"
Black Health Matters
Meditate, sing, take an exercise class class, join a healing circle, practice yoga and have a good time!
Read More "Black Health Matters"
Working While Black Stories
Visit our Mobile video booth to share your story about Working While Black.
Read More "Working While Black Stories"
Community Corner
Learn about Baltimore resources from local business and nonprofit leaders. Network with your neighbors in Baltimore and beyond.
Read More "Community Corner"
Black Wall St.
Buy from local businesses who support our community
.
Read More "Black Wall St."
Black Film Festival
Watch films about us, then discuss them with the Black film directors who made them.
Read More "Black Film Festival"
Black Voices Black Votes
Join our campaign to hold elected officials accountable and make our voices heard.
Read More "Black Voices Black Votes"

Apprenticeship fair

Connect with organizations with apprenticeship programs that provide real, quality, jobs upon completion.

Find out more about their apprenticeship programs, how to enter, and the jobs that are available after the program is completed. The participating organizations help ensure that Black workers have access to quality jobs with livable wages, and are committed to helping develop skilled trades people and supporting success through the end of the apprenticeships.

Learn More

Speakers and Sessions

Meet thinkers, leaders, entertainers
Join workshops and discussion groups led by:

Cory McCray, Maryland State Senator
Carmen Berkeley, Civitas Public Affairs Group, radio host and disc jockey
Dr. Kristee Haggins, PhD, Safe Black Space, co-founder
Neneki Lee, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), director
Erica Smiley, Jobs with Justice, executive director
Phela Townsend, Rutgers University School of Management & Labor Relations, doctoral candidate
Nzingha Hooker- senior attorney, National Employment Law Project
Reena Doyle- Human Rights Consultant, California Teachers Association
Kwesi Chappin- Senior Political Director, Color of Change

Special Invited guests include:

Boots Riley- Rapper, producer, screenwriter, film director and activist
Bill Fletcher Jr.- Author and activist (Confirmed)
Kevin Wilson Jr.-  Academy Award nominated filmmaker (Confirmed)
Maurice Mitchell- National Director, Working Families Party (Confirmed)

Register Now!

The Black Collar Award is our annual recognition of an individual who works tirelessly to build power and equity for Black Workers.

From confronting racism and oppression as barriers to social change and healthy human relations; to removing workplace barriers through the pursuit of racial justice and inclusion, this award celebrates tireless dedication to acting in solidarity with Black workers everywhere in the quest for racial and economic justice.

Learn More

Engage

Want to get involved with the expo? We’re looking for volunteers, sponsors, and partners. Visit the links below for details on the different ways you can engage.

Become a Sponsor

Become a Vendor

Volunteer

Donate

Logistics

Find all you need to know about navigating the two-day expo at the links below.

FAQ

Who should attend? What to expect? You have questions, we have answers! Click here to view answers to the most common questions.

The Venue

The expo will be held on the campus of Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD. Click here for information on parking, directions, etc.

Where to Stay

Traveling from out of town? Click here for a list of suggested area hotels in close proximity to the venue.