Home Uncategorized 5th Annual African American Golf EXPO & Forum Kicks Off In Orlando, Florida

5th Annual African American Golf EXPO & Forum Kicks Off In Orlando, Florida

by John Perry
Golfing royalty graced the room at the Diversity & Inclusion Forum.  Ms. Renee Powell, PGA/LPA, who needs no introduction. (photos by John Perry)

The 5th Annual African American Golf EXPO & Forum launched with great enthusiasm on Wednesday, January 22, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Influential figures from the $100 billion golf industry gathered to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and network during the lively afternoon and evening event. EXPO founder Jim Beatty warmly welcomed attendees, adding a personal touch to the celebration, which featured a large, delicious “Red Velvet” birthday cake as a festive highlight.

AAGD Reporter John Perry with former NBA great J.R. Smith at the Diversity & Inclusion Forum at the PGA Golf Trade Show at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.

Golf today stands as a $100 billion industry, according to the Bobby Jones State Of The Industry 2024 report. The industry supports 2 million jobs and generating $66 billion in wages and benefits. When factoring in tourism and related businesses, the industry contributes nearly $200 billion in annual economic activity.

The African American Golf EXPO & Forum run through Friday, January 25. The EXPO is FREE to attend but registration is mandatory. The event schedule and registration is available HERE.

Preserve The Shady Rest Committee Member Sib Byers and AAGD Photojournalist John Perry at the PGA Trade Show in Orlando
AAGD Reporter John Perry and Mrs. Peggy Rhodes White, daughter of Black golfing pioneer Teddy Rhodes
Master of Ceremony Dr. Michael Cooper addresses crowd at Diversity & Inclusion Roundtable.
Reporter John Perry with Tiffany White, Granddaughter of Teddy Rhodes.
L-R: African American Golfers Digest contributing writer and author Otis Windham and former Negro League Baseball Player and Entrepreneur Bill Hopson share moments at the 5th annual Black Golf Expo
Golf course designer and former Arnold Palmer employee Brandon Johnson raises his hand (blue sweater) taking in the action at the Diversity Forum.
Former Augusta National caddie Carl Jackson in attendance at Diversity & Inclusion Forum.  Carl was on the bag of PGA Professional Ben Crenshaw during both of his Masters wins.
Carl Jackson “in the house” at 2025 PGA Show.
LPGA Pioneer Renee Powell with African American Golfer’s Digest Executive Editor Jim Beatty
Two giants and devoted activists of Diversity & Inclusion in the game of golf for minorities: Renee Powell and
Jim Beatty. To borrow one of Jim’s favorite quotes:  We Play, We Pay, We Count.

The African American Golf Expo & Forum 2025 continues to be an unparalleled celebration of golf, culture, and community. This year the EXPO is celebrating its 5 year anniversary and is being held in cognizant with the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, bringing together enthusiasts, professionals, and newcomers from all walks of life to engage, inspire, and create lasting memories.

Author

  • John Perry is a freelance writer, poet, and active golfer with a passion for calling shots as he sees them—and then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Florida.

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