We had a blast last year so we went back this on the scene to give you an exclusive recap for the 2016 Circle of Sisters Expo held at the Jacob Javitis Center in New York City. From celebrity panels and star sightings to hot stellar performances by today’s top charting artists, we have all of the juicy details on one the City’s biggest annual Expos powered by WBLS, HOT 97 & WLIB!
Every year, New York’s top partnered radio stations come together hosting the festival expo celebrating women, culture, music and the arts for sisters through a variety of activities including, cooking demonstrations, celebrity talk panels, fashion shows, musical performances and more.
The event kicked off with celebrity panels in the Special Events Hall. Wanda Durant, mother of NBA superstar Kevin Durant, hosted a forum called “Single Women Conundrum” as she shared her personal story on being a single mother herself raising two sons on her own.
Celebrity Radio DJ Deja Vu hosted a special ladies workshop called “The HustleHER Next Door” with a dynamic panel of women including Dr. Tion Von Johnson, Kelechi Anyadiegwu, Jeanell Hazelwood, and our very own Mona Scott Young.
Mona also hosted her own Myx lounge party promoting her new flavors of her drink and the release of “Love and Hip Hop: The Game.”
Former NBA Player and TV personality John Salley traded his basketball shoes for a chef’s hat and apron. That’s right. Salley joined forces with Vegan Chef Brenda Beener as the two shared the stage demonstrating ways to increase athletic performance for healthy living.
The expo was filled with star studded celebrities and talent including Hollywood and award winner actor Clifton Powell, Primetimes latest hit show Queen Sugar Ninja Devoe, TV Personality Judge Glenda Hatchett, R&b superstar Bobby Brown, Basketball wives LA star Jackie Christie, our very own Pud Bianca Bonnie and many more.
Hip hop artist and Oscar winner Common joined the WBLS live broadcast stage as he shared his thoughts on the current events including naming his new album ‘Black America’– “That title really defines as the things we went through as black people. The cycle whether its through slavery, civil rights movement to mass incarceration on what’s going on now. What I’m saying is we’re writing a new story. I knew there was something else that’s why I’m calling it Black America because were joyful people and we do great things. Doctors, teachers, radio hosts and artists so I just want that expression and I just want that black love to be out there again so that’s why it’s called Black America.”
And the stage was lit up with amazing performances including with up and coming artists group ‘The Seal Breakers” Matthew Knowles newest girl group ‘Blusshh.”, Rotimi, R&B sensation Mario and the one and only Joe singing all of his classic hits. We even got to see the original dream girl herself, Ms. Jennifer Holiday who blessed the mic one time with a short performance of her hit Broadway ‘Dreamgirl’ melody “And I am Telling You.”
And for all the lovers and hopeless romantics out there, a special relationship panel was held called “Dating, Relationships and Everything in Between” hosted by celebrity panelist Joe, Lenny Green, Television personality and author Loni Love, Love and Hip Hop NY Tara Wallace and radio host Shirley Strawberry from the Steve Harvey Morning Show.
The night of events ended with a beautiful fashion show hosted by Ashley Stewart showing off their latest trends for Spring 2017.
Day 2 of the festivities included stars such as Vivica A Fox, Robin Roberts KeKe Wyatt & much more!
And of course, the annual Gospel Explosion!
The Circle of Sisters event is always a great experience where people from all walks of life including Hollywood celebrities, vendors and more all come together to celebrate one another through music and entertainment culture.
Thanks for an amazing time COS! See you next year!
Written by: Tiffany Hercules & Novia Rose, Associate Entertainment Editor