For the second year, The Los Angeles County Fair will collaborate with the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) from Sept. 13-15.
CEEM is dedicated to increase wealth, prosperity and educational outcomes for the African-American community through mentorship, education and training. Founded in 2016 by former McDonald’s executive, Reggie Webb of Webb Family Enterprises, the purpose of CEEM is for African-Americans to have more financial independence, according to Webb.
“CEEM is a membership cooperative committed to closing the racial wealth gap by educating, investing in and supporting the African-American professional and entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Kyle Webb, chief financial officer and co-founder of CEEM. “CEEM encourages its members to support African-American owned businesses in its network and increase the turnover of dollars in our communities so we can all rise together.”
The membership cost is $100 annually. Membership is open to all residents of California who are willing to make contributions in efforts to promote wealth of African-Americans.
The event will feature a “Tribute to Black Influence in Pop Culture” to celebrate the incredible impact of African-American contributions to this year’s fair theme: Pop Culture.
“Jean Luc Basquiat, Lebron James, Miles Davis, Grace Jones, Duke Ellington, Beyonce, Spike Lee, Diana Ross, Prince; there is no doubt that the African-American community has had a profound impact on all aspects of pop culture from art to film to fashion to sports to music,”Kyle stated.
“CEEM is proud to continue our partnership with the LA County Fair to offer the community a fun and interactive experience that will celebrate our rich pop culture heritage, offer a path forward by seeking creative ways to continue to disrupt the culture, shine a light on our experiences, and further CEEM’s mission to build wealth within our community.”
The CEEM weekend is sponsored by McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Campaign. McDonald’s campaign celebrates a new movement to uplift communities and empower excellence through education, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
The weekend will include:
• Live musical and dancing performances
• Inspiring panel discussions led by Black entrepreneurs and business owners
• A student-led pop culture art exhibit
• A fun and interactive Kids Zone
• Soul food and fare from a variety of Black-owned businesses and vendors
• Inspirational Gospel Sunday
Hip hop artist, Ray Wimley—who brings a positive message, and who recently had a feature with Common—will take the stage tomorrow. On Saturday, singer and songwriter Candace Boyd, Rujohn Foundation featuring King Bach & Friends will take over. The weekend presentation will conclude on Sunday with Gospel music by Rubi Green in a presentation infused with hip hop.
“CEEM exists to provide opportunities and support for African-Americans in their entrepreneurial endeavors. And we ask anyone who is in support of this mission to join us. We model ourselves after the Civil Rights Movement,” Kyle added. “Most photographs taken of the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement include people from many ethnic backgrounds. We intend to be the same. Equity in opportunity is what we are fighting for, and anyone who believes in that principle is already in the Movement, and we welcome them to #JoinCEEM.”
Attendees are encouraged to follow CEEM activities and share their own experience at the event space via the hashtag #CEEMWeekend #CEEMpops.
For more information and to get tickets, visit lacf.com/buy-tickets and use promo code: ‘CEEM2019’ to receive $8 tickets (almost 60 percent off the regular ticket price).
The LA County Fair runs through Sept. 22.
