The Women's Empowerment 2009 program will feature a noteworthy motivational speech by nationally recognized speaker, Mary J. Blige.

Raleigh, NC - Radio One of Raleigh presents Women’s Empowerment 2009 on Saturday, March 14th at the RBC Center. Women’s Empowerment is a high energy, high profile event that targets African-American women of all ages. Major sponsors of Women’s Empowerment include State Farm Insurance and Duke Health Care Systems.

Women’s Empowerment has empowered, educated and entertained women for the past 14 years. This extravagant event has become a tradition for women of the Triangle. For an entire day women are dazzled with unforgettable performances by national recording artists, impressive vendor displays, informative seminars, a spectacular fashion show, and celebrity autograph sessions. This year’s event will feature a Vendor Pavilion that boasts over 85 vendors, a Literary Lounge featuring national authors and a Men’s Lounge that will feature product sampling and flat panel televisions for monitoring the basketball games.

The program will feature a noteworthy motivational speech by a nationally recognized speaker. This year’s keynote speaker will be singer Mary J. Blige. Past speakers have included Susan Taylor, editor in chief of Essence magazine, entertainment diva Patti LaBelle, actress and director Debbie Allen, actress Phylicia Rashad, motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, award winning actors and producers Angela Bassett and Vivica A. Fox, television personality Star Jones-Reynolds and Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts.

National recording artists who will be performing at this event include Oscar® Winner and R&B sensation Jennifer Hudson, harpist Jeff Majors, Bobby Valentino, Raheem Devaughn, gospel performers Mary Mary as well as gospel legend Vicki Winans.

Created in March 1994, in honor of Women’s History Month, Women’s Empowerment was designed to enhance the lives of African-American women by addressing issues that specifically impact their health, relationship and overall lifestyle.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, the RBC Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

Additional information about Women’s Empowerment 2009 can be obtained by calling (919) 848-9736 or online at www.womensempowermentexpo.com.