Chicago, we all can use an uplifting weekend, and WBD Cares is bringing you just that. So, make plans for an exciting, enlightening, entertaining time at the 8th Annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards weekend Friday, March 14th Sunday, March 16th.
It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year, serving as a vital gathering for local mom-and-pop shops, nonprofit organizations, and emerging enterprises of all sizes. The weekend events are thoughtfully designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, network, and support leadership development. The weekend also aims to connect black entrepreneurs, providing them with encouragement and celebrating them.
The weekend kicks off Friday, March 14th, with L.E.G.A.C.Y. talks, which is hosted by WDB Marketing.
This exclusive event will gather special guests, prominent panelists, WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards honorees, and businesses for an engaging evening of networking.
Saturday, March 15th, is the event everyone is waiting for. The 8th Annual L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Gala. Happening at 433 West Van Buren Street in Chicago, the gala begins at 6 pm and ends at midnight. The gala will proudly feature a vibrant showcase of fifteen exceptional Black-owned restaurants, highlighting the richness and diversity of our culinary landscape. Honorees for the evening are esteemed recipients of the 2025 WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y Awards, recognizing their remarkable contributions and achievements in the business community.
The distinguished honorees include legendary entrepreneur George Daniels, Trez Pugh owner serial coffee chain, Sip and Savor, and Myiti Sengstacke of the Bud Biliken Parade, and a special posthumous honor for Tammera Homes founder of Aerostars, an organization that helped over 150 Black youth learn to fly planes.
Among the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the WDB Cares Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
One deserving winner will receive up to $25 thousand in cash and prizes to help turn their vision into reality.
This wonderful prize is generously provided by experienced Black entrepreneurs committed to uplifting the next generation of leaders.
The weekend winds up with a delightful brunch experience on Sunday, March 16, where guests will reflect, reconnect, and recharge after an inspiring weekend of collaboration.
WDB Cares is a dedicated non-profit organization focused on empowering minority communities through economic development and support. Key initiatives include:
. A program providing accessible grants specifically for entrepreneurs aimed at alleviating startup costs, supporting business expansion, and addressing operational needs.
. A series of targeted educational workshops covering essential business topics, including marketing strategies, financial management, and access to capital.
These sessions are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique challenges faced by African American business owners.
WDB Marketing is a full-service marketing company established in 2006. Services include graphic design, brand management, marketing solutions, and full-service printing. They manufacture all their print services in-house, making them the first African-American-owned full-service printing manufacturer in the South Suburbs. To date, WDB Marketing has proudly serviced over 5,000 businesses and entrepreneurs across industries, including retail, professional, and not-for-profit.
For more information about the 8th Annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. Weekend tickets and how to enter the Young Entrepreneur concert, log on to:
https://www.legacyawardsweekend.com/
