PORTSMOUTH, Va. — This weekend there's an opportunity for Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in Hampton Roads to get the help they need for success. The Black Diamond Weekend, hosted by Black BRAND, markets itself as Virginia's largest Black business conference.
The event kicked off Thursday and will last until Saturday, November 9, at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel.
“This is about making sure that everyone has the social capital that they need in order to go into the next year strong,” said Blair Durham the founder of Black BRAND.
The three-day event brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofits, corporate executives and more for community and collaboration. Durham said they want to make sure entrepreneurs don’t try to do it alone.
“We really believe that business owners, aspiring business owners, 10 times their success when they do it together,” she said.
Session topics range from real estate to marketing to gaining access to capital to support for nonprofits. This year also features special guests, including award-winning actress Jennifer Lewis, who encourages anyone looking to take that next step to prepare to do the work.
“It’s a winner’s attitude. You want to do your best. You want to be your best,” said Lewis.
Lewis, who has spent decades starring on stage, film, and television, encourages people to feed their passion, but she warns it won't always be easy. She said she worked for years to understand and overcome years of poverty, abuse, and a bipolar diagnosis that she learned at the age of 33. She encourages people to get help to get through it.
“There are three words that are hardest: I need help. Those are hard words. We always think we can do it by ourselves,” said Lewis. “There are what, eight billion people on the planet now? Somebody will help you.”
She said she's performed all around the country, and she's learned that community is most important, no matter your line of work.
“Culture. Respecting each other’s space, and leaving space for grace to help each other climb that ladder,” she said.
To learn more about Black Diamond Weekend and purchase tickets to the event’s gala hosted by 13News Now Daybreak anchor Ashley Smith, visit their website.
