C. Diane Howell, Ph.D.
In May, 1989 Howell founded the Black Business Listings, a monthly newspaper designed to promote African American economic empowerment. A year later she began coordinating Black Expo in Oakland and in 1996 she took over full responsibility for producing, what is now the most anticipated, best attended event in the African American community in the Bay Area.
2007 marked the 12th year Howell has owned and produced the Black Expo in Oakland. Now featuring several days of events, Black Expo 2007 kicked off with the 12th Annual African American Excellence in Business Awards & Scholarship Gala where 101+ Men Making A Difference In Our Community were honored. The Gala was followed by the Job Showcase and Procurement Fair on Friday and Black Expo 2007 on Saturday and Sunday. Black Expo 2008 will be held on July 19th and 20th. The Awards 2008 Gala will honor 101+ Champions for Our Youth.
Since taking over the Expo, Howell as made sure that the event offers something for everyone, including a College Day Program for young people and their parents, a Home Buyers Fair, a Health Fair that aims to reduce the health disparities in the Black community and an Internet Café where young and old can learn more about computer technology and the internet.
Howell is committed to continue producing a stellar event that receives rave reviews, showcases our businesses and has a positive impact on our community. She is also determined to continue publishing one of the best African American owned publications in the state, and the only newspaper in the state whose primary focus is the economic empowerment of the African American community.
Howell admits she is on a mission – a mission to empower the Black community and help us all realize the resources among us, the power with in us and the tremendous possibilities before us.