The OBSERVER Media Group and a host of partners present the annual California Capital City Black Business Expo which returns to the Sacramento Convention Center Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30. The three-day event, which drew more than 50,000 people last year, offers unique business opportunities, exciting entertainment and ceremonial recognition of Northern California's vibrant African American community. This year's theme is "What Dreams Are Made Of." 

In conjunction with the Black Business Expo, The OBSERVER Newspaper will celebrate its 45^th Anniversary with a star-studded awards Gala featuring fine food, festivities and fellowship.  Headlining "Gala 45" will be two dynamic music artists: gospel legend Shirley Caesar and R&B songstress Oleta Adams.

The black-tie affair will also acknowledge 50 outstanding awardees of The OBSERVER's coveted Medallion of Honor.  The award recognizes exceptional Sacramento leadership from the African American community in the areas of business, education, community service, health care, arts and culture, law, religion, sports and public service.

Dr. William H. Lee, OBSERVER publisher and founder, and OBSERVER General Manager Larry Lee will open the Black Expo festivities at noon on Friday, March 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony accompanied by special guests including elected officials, business leaders and more than 200 exhibitors.  The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place in the west lobby of the Sacramento Convention Center where organizers will officially open the doors to a wealth of information and opportunities. The Expo is free and open to the public.

Among the highlights of the first day of Black Expo will be the annual "Glory Awards" presentation. Each year, The OBSERVER recognizes the contributions made by Northern California's spiritual leaders and takes this opportunity to say "Thank You" for their tireless efforts to provide support for the community. The annual awards ceremony is sponsored by PG&E.

"Gala 45," celebrating The OBSERVER's illustrious 45-year history, begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28 at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Dr. William H. Lee, dean of African American newspaper publishers in all of California, has been the visionary behind the award-winning publication since its inception in November of 1962.

Along with Dr. Lee's wife, Kathryn C. Lee, son Larry Lee and countless staff
members, THE OBSERVER has become one of the most respected and influential Black media sources in California's history.

To commemorate this special occasion, gospel music legend and pioneer Shirley Caesar is expected to thrill those in attendance with her award-winning talents. Joining Ms. Caesar that evening will be multi-talented jazz and R&B artist Oleta Adams. "Gala 45" will be hosted by media icon Lee Bailey. Bailey, known by millions as "the voice" of 1980s groundbreaking urban radio program RadioScope, is the founder of EURweb, the online home of the Electronic Urban Report. 

The annual Capital City Black Expo is one of the nation's premier African American outlets for business entrepreneurs to showcase their culturally unique goods and services.  In 2007, more than 51,000 people attended the event.  The Expo provides inspiring, informational and memorable networking and business growth opportunities, for all participants.

Black Expo features 14 Pavilions with each having an emphasis on areas such as technology, youth and education, health, homeownership, wealth building, fashion, and career, just to name a few.

Saturday's annual Community Breakfast will showcase 30 of the area's most outstanding young adults under the age of 30.  This year's speaker for the annual "30 under 30" breakfast awards ceremony will be nationally renowned professor and lecturer Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. The special event is sponsored by Metro PCS and McDonalds. 

Also on Saturday, the "Women of Inspiration" luncheon will salute five outstanding women leaders.  This year will feature two keynote speakers, dual authors of the book "Souls of My Sisters," Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy. The presenting sponsor for the annual "Women of Inspiratioin" luncheon is State Farm.

Saturday evening's entertainment will include award-winning recording artists BBD (Bell, Biv, DeVoe), Keith Sweat and Tony, Toni, Tone. The concert will be held at Memorial Auditorium.

Sunday's finale will continue The OBSERVER's tradition of providing high-energy gospel music with an uplifting free "Gospel Sunday" concert to finalize the weekend's festivities. This year's special guest will be Desmond Pringle, considered one of the most talented gospel vocalist/producers in the genre today.

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