MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — Over 80 Black-owned businesses from across West Michigan set up shop at the Black Business Expo Sunday.
Hundreds of shoppers came out to the Muskegon Farmers Market to support small business growth in their community. Expo organizers said the family-friendly event paired well with Father’s Day.
“This was an opportunity to really honor our community, but also to honor fathers, to give them an opportunity to be celebrated. So they’re out here, we’ve given out gifts to the dads. So we’re just super excited to see all these wonderful dads out here,” said Lashae Simmons II, founder of Black Wall Street Muskegon.
The Black history of Grand Rapids jumps from page to screen
Multiple generations of dads attended the expo, some as shoppers with their families but others celebrated as both dads and part of the family business.
“I couldn’t ask for a better thing to do today. This is this is what it’s really about. You know, you teach the kids entrepreneurship. That’s a good thing,” said Kevin Davis, a grandfather helping serve lemonade at his family’s booth 2 Jai Drink Stand.
Black Business Expo in Muskegon. (June 21, 2026)
This is the sixth year for the event put together by Black Wall Street Muskegon. They said it has become one of the largest Black business events in West Michigan, drawing in a crowd of more than 500 attendees.
Black Wall Street Muskegon organizers said they hope the expo brings together local entrepreneurs and shoppers but want the expo to call attention to both the positive impacts and the current struggles Black-owned businesses face in West Michigan.
“I think one of the most obvious things that a lot of those individuals face, or a lot of Black and brown (owned) businesses face, is just access to capital and just the expenses that go along with what it looks like when it comes to buying products, marketing and different things like that,” Simmons said.
“People already have this stereotype of Black women, so it’s already in their mind, like, hey, we’re this, we’re that. But we’re not that. We’re very loving, we’re creative and we are bold. And this year we are taking over,” said Starlina Gardner-Matthews, owner of Brown Sugar Luxe Beauty.
Business owners said despite the challenges they face, they’re continuing to see more Black-owned startups and are inspired by seeing the community come together.
“I was born and raised in Muskegon. I’m so proud to be a native of Muskegon. I own property here in Muskegon, so I come in sabbatical, and I chase sunsets. But this business expo is such a big deal to see this much representation in my hometown and to see these many entrepreneurs gather in the same place and support one another — it’s unmatched,” said Toya Poplar, owner of FLY earrings.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
