Clifton Powell to appear at Hampton Roads Black Expo

By AI, Created 5:11 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Actor Clifton Powell will attend the Black Expo on June 20 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia. Organizers say the event will spotlight Black-owned businesses, entertainment and entrepreneurship while drawing thousands of visitors during a peak tourism weekend.

Why it matters: - The Black Expo is positioning itself as both a cultural event and a business marketplace for Black-owned companies. - Organizers expect thousands of attendees, which could boost hotels, restaurants, transportation and retail in Hampton. - The event is tied to Juneteenth programming across the region, adding to its local cultural relevance.

What happened: - The Black Expo announced that actor Clifton Powell will attend the event on June 20 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia. - Powell is slated to speak about the challenges and triumphs of his career. - The event will feature live entertainment, African drums and dancing, a DJ, a live band and speakers focused on entrepreneurship. - More information, including vendor registration and sponsorship details, is available at the Black Expo website.

The details: - Powell has received multiple NAACP awards and appeared alongside Jamie Foxx in “Ray.” - Powell is known for his role as Pinky in “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next.” - Powell recently starred in the action thriller “Blowback,” with scenes filmed in Hampton, Virginia Beach and Madrid, Spain. - Powell is the first person to receive the Virginia Black Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award during the festival’s inaugural event. - The Black Expo will feature more than 50 vendors in apparel, consumer goods, food services and professional services. - Sponsorship packages include on-site activation, brand placement and participation in event programming.

Between the lines: - The event is using a recognizable entertainment figure to widen its appeal beyond business attendees. - Hampton’s beaches and Black history landmarks are helping the city draw more visitors around Juneteenth weekend. - Founder Bryan G. Thompson said the expo is designed to create a centralized marketplace for Black-owned businesses while increasing customer access and visibility. - Thompson said, “This is about culture, commerce and community. People will certainly leave inspired!”

What’s next: - Organizers are selling vendor slots and sponsorships ahead of the June 20 event. - The expo is expected to roll out its full slate of speakers, vendors and live programming during the event weekend. - Additional attendee and exhibitor details are available through the event’s registration channels and online listings.

The bottom line: - Clifton Powell’s appearance gives the Hampton Roads Black Expo a higher-profile draw as organizers aim to blend culture, commerce and community on a busy summer weekend.