Revelers near and far will come together to participate in the annual celebratory 2009 Radio One’s Raleigh Women’s Empowerment Expo on March 14, 2009 at the RBC Center.

The one-day empowerment fest will feature soul singer Keyshia Cole as the keynote speaker and performances by Academy award-winning songstress Jennifer Hudson, an inspirational message and performance by Vickie Winans and also hitting the stage is newcomer LaShell Griffin (the winner of Oprah Winfrey’s Pop Star Challenge), among others. Additional performers will be announced each week leading up to the conference.

Radio One Raleigh’s Women’s Empowerment Expo is the city’s most anticipated event of the year, with an expected gathering of thousands of men and women who come together for a full-day of entertainment, education and empowerment. The annual expo was launched in 1994 in honor of Women’s History Month. Its goal is to have a direct impact on the lives and culture of African American women, with a particular concentration on their “health, hearts and pocketbooks.” Aside from live performances, attendees will be treated to exclusive seminars, workshops, demonstrations and shopping.

The featured areas of the 2009 expo are the Literary Lounge-- which will offer all of the most recent released books, a book signing from nationally acclaimed authors, and a spoken word segment-- and a Men’s Lounge (which is being sponsored by Frank’s Red Hot) that will offer a relaxing environment for the men in attendance to kick back and watch the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Previous keynote speakers include Dr. Joycelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General; Susan Taylor, former editor in chief of Essence; Rolanda Watts, North Carolina native and former talk show host of Rolanda; Phylicia Rashad, from The Cosby Show; Iyanla Vanzant, noted inspirational women’s author; Debbie Allen, actress and choreographer, Queen Latifah, recording artist/actress; and awarding winner actress, Angela Basset. Last year’s keynote address was delivered by famed singer Natalie Cole.

Tickets on sale Friday, January 31 at 10AM!

Tickets can be purchased online at RBCcenter.com, the Time Warner Cable Box Office at the RBC Center, all Ticketmaster oulets or charge by phone 919-834-4000 when available.

For more information visit www.WomensEmpowermentExpo.com