The Black Business Association (BBA) is set to celebrate its 55th anniversary and National Black Business Month with its 3rd Annual Black Business Day Expo. The event will pay tribute to Linda Morgan Sam, honoring her for her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Black businesses. This celebration is a cornerstone of the BBA’s mission, which has for over five decades worked tirelessly to create platforms for Black businesses to thrive.
The BBA, the oldest active ethnic business support organization in California, is guided by a distinguished Board of Directors and a dedicated management team. Leading the charge is BBA President & CEO Sarah R. Harris, who also serves as Publisher of Suite Life SoCal. The board’s leadership includes Chairman of the Board & President Emeritus Earl “Skip” Cooper II and BBA Vice Chair Kim Anthony-Morrow, CEO of Urban Excellence Institute.
The board also features key officers like BBA Treasurer Brett Byers, CEO of The Byers Group; BBA Secretary Denise Peoples, CEO of STEMulate Learning; and BBA Parliamentarian Ezekiel Patten, Jr., CEO of Patten Energy Enterprises, Inc. Rounding out the board are BBA Director Ronda Jackson, founder of In the Mix & Studio D Contract Finishes, and BBA Director Nathan Freeman, CEO of Figueroa Media Group, Inc. This esteemed group of leaders embodies the BBA’s commitment to community and collaboration, drawing on diverse expertise to champion economic empowerment.
Under the guidance of its board, the BBA’s administrative and support functions are managed by a talented team, including Program Development lead Patricia Click, CEO of Ventress Click Ventures, and Linda Morgan Sam, CEO of Linda Sam Consulting LLC, who provides management support. Lela Thompson, CEO of The Society Nineteen Group, oversees the organization’s media and tech support. This dedicated team ensures the BBA can effectively deliver its mission to connect members with the resources, contracts, education, and relationships they need to achieve sustainable success.
The annual expo, presented in partnership with U.S. Bank, LADWP, and KJLH, is a prime example of the BBA’s commitment to education and networking. The event’s agenda is packed with activities designed to empower entrepreneurs and connect the community. The expo offers several free workshops, designed as parables of business growth.
Attendees can participate in Pathfinders Family Business Game from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, a parable of charting a family’s legacy. At the same time, the CTRL + SHIFT: Business with AI workshop, a parable of harnessing new technology to transform a company, will be held. Later, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, attendees can attend a workshop on Scaling Your Business through Contracts, Procurement & Certifications, a parable of building a fortress of success through official endorsements and major deals. Simultaneously, the Nonprofit Development & Mission-Driven Enterprises session will serve as a parable of turning passion into a purpose-driven organization.
In addition to these educational sessions, the expo will feature a Sip & Craft Hat-Making Party, available for a separate registration fee of $45. The event will culminate with a “MO’Town BINGO” closing celebration.
General admission is free with registration and includes a ticket for a prize drawing. Free parking is also available for all attendees. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Culinary Arts Building (E3). www.bbala.org
