NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – An event in the New Haven community showcased the power and business savvy of African American women while encouraging the importance of voting in this election year.
Chaila Gilliams’ Green Peacock Corporation was one of dozens of businesses displaying their services or products at this year’s annual African American Women’s Summit.
She said there’s a special vibe at the event, and it’s an opportunity to reach potential new customers.
“This is big, this is awesome, this is not the first time we’ve been a part of this. It brings everyone together and also people who don’t know what the organizations and all of these vendors do. They can say ‘oh wow’, this is in the community,’” Gilliams’ said.
This was year 29 of the summit, which organizers call a “sisters collaboration.” It features workshops and panel discussions with a couple of key issues at the focus.
“This year’s summit is about rocking the vote and encouraging people to vote and on mental health and encouraging people to take care of themselves,” said Dottie Green of the National Council of Negro Women.
The summit was free and open to the public.
Dori Dumas- president of the Greater New Haven NAACP– said this event pumps up the positive in the community.
“It’s a day to uplift women- and not just women and children, women in the community- so we have wonderful workshops and at the Greater New Haven NAACP we are registering people to vote,” Dumas said.