Joyful Taste of Soul Black Business Expo delights crowds at Murrieta Community Center

Tony Ault

Staff Writer

It was a day of colorful dress, tasty soul food and celebration for many at the annual Taste of Soul Black Business Expo, which served as a kick off to Black History Month at the Murrieta Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 4.

More than 55 vendors, including those selling all forms of soul food, were available and a treat for many. There was a strong community presence from the many Black owned and operated businesses in Murrieta and the surrounding communities. Murrieta Mayor Pro Tem

Lori Stone and Council Member Cindy Warren, along with other local community leaders, were also present.

Stone and Warren joined with Sankofa Forever One expo host Vee Gee to say some encouraging words to the gathering crowds following the singing of the Black national anthem by Eric Faulkner, a member of Temecula’s Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission.

Delighting the audience, Faulkner encouraged parents to teach their children about where they come from at home and say, “I’m Black and I am proud!”

Faulkner also explained the origins of the writing of the Black anthem and poem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” It was written by James Weldon Johnson, an NAACP leader in the early 1900s with the purpose that the lyrics would encourage Black people to be proud and succeed in America.

To bring the spirit of the anthem to the crowds, young members of the Lake Elsinore Unified School District Jr. Black Student Union came to the forefront to recite another poem with coordinated hand movements, bringing loud applause from the audience.

Stone said Murrieta is connected by community and this is one way to connect: by having the Taste of Soul Expo here in Murrieta. She couldn’t be happier that the event took place at the launch of Black History Month. The Taste of Soul Black Business Expo was invited to be held at a number of other cities, but Murrieta was chosen.

Warren said, “I think it’s fantastic. The vendors are amazing, handmade goods are off the charts, it’s family and dancing and having a good time.” The council members were later presented a gift basket by the hosts and the LEUSD Jr. Black Student Union.

Eric Faulkner, from Temecula’s Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commission, sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black national anthem, at the Murrieta Community Center Feb. 4.

Rene Johnson, master of ceremonies for the expo, welcomed the guests saying it is “a super, super time to come together and honor the community.”

Later in the afternoon, there was a style show of the latest, most colorful dresses and accessories from local Black clothing vendors with soul dancing models who received oohs and awes from the attendees in the delightful sunny temperatures of the day.

Stage performances of hip-hop and soul dancing by local youngsters took place inside the Murrieta Community Center building during the afternoon while a DJ played some favored popular music. The basketball and tennis courts were open, offering prizewinning games for the children to enjoy.

Members of the LEUSD Jr. Black Student Union with their advisor following the reading of a Black history poem at the Taste of Soul Black Business Expo in MurrIeta.

Models Britnney Spann, Sharee Williams, Minnie Nelson and Diane Hamilton show off some colorful dress styles at the Taste of Soul Black Business Expo in Murrieta. Guests were invited to “wear your African attire or just come as you are.”