Women’s Empowerment, is a high energy, high profile event that targets African-American women of all ages Sat. March 19th.

Women’s Empowerment has empowered, educated and entertained women for the past 15 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 100 vendors, a Literary Lounge featuring national authors and a Men’s Lounge.

Past speakers have included Susan Taylor, editor in chief of Essence magazine, entertainment diva Patti LaBelle, R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, 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, Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts and champion of health & fitness Laila Ali.

The event will once again feature a noteworthy motivational speech by a nationally recognized speaker. This year’s keynote speaker will be actor, comedian, entertainer, television & radio personality and best selling author, Steve Harvey. Harvey is currently the host of the long-running syndicated game show Family Feud. He is also the host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, which airs in more than 60 markets and has approximately 7 million weekly listeners. Harvey has also ventured into the world of writing with New York Times Best Seller Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. His highly-anticipated second book, Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find, Keep, and Understand a Man debuted at #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers List. His appearances include, but are not limited to The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Larry King Live.

Nationally recognized author and former Oprah Winfrey Show regular Iyanla Vanzant will also be speaking at this year’s event. With more than 8 million books in print, Iyanla Vanzant has truly established a dedicated fan base. Iyanla’s path to success took her through a multitude of life-changing experiences that shaped the profound insights she eagerly shares with others. With two recent and hilarious appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show where Iyanla rekindled her relationship with Winfrey, she is well on her way to re-solidifying her presence in American literature and media.

R&B sensation and platinum-selling artist Musiq will be a featured performer at this year’s Women’s Empowerment. Musiq has earned award nominations from BET, ASCAP, BMI, and Soul Train. In addition, he has had 2 platinum albums, 2 gold albums and 7 hit singles. He has received awards from Billboard, MTV, the American Music Awards, the NAACP, and 11 Grammy nominations.

Gospel sensation Marvin Sapp will also be performing again this year. Sapp was a performer at last year’s Women’s Empowerment and wowed the audience. His smash single Never Would Have Made It from his 2007 release Thirsty has been among the most ubiquitous gospel songs of the last four years. The mega-selling single held the #1 slot at Gospel radio for almost a full year; topped the Urban AC chart; was a top selling ringtone and ringback, and propelled his album Thirsty to the top of the gospel charts for 27 weeks. In addition, gospel legend Hezekiah Walker will be performing. Both a Grammy winner and author, Walker has produced an astounding 18 albums.

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.