Well, the 4th Annual African American EXPO & Forum is in the books, over, completed, packed up and ready to start the planning for the 5th EXPO. I, as the organizer and founder wanted to share some perspectives and thoughts.
Attendee Comments
Below are the comments received from the attendees which always touch my heart as I always want to know “How are we doing, are we impacting and affecting lives,” as I hoped. To that end, here are some of comments I have received from various individuals:
“We thank you for extending the invitation to us to experience the 4th Annual African American EXPO & FORM. I really enjoyed each and every day, from the Community Gardening initiative, the Youth and Adult golf clinic, and the Golf Scramble. The EXPO exhibit hall was off the chain throughout the whole event. It was packed with sponsors, vendors, and historians as well as supporters from across the country. The information and networking piece is invaluable. The Experience of the African American EXPO and Forum is one we will not soon forget. We look forward to ‘2025’. Please keep us in the loop. Sincerely,” —Nate & Denise Howard
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“The 4th Annual African American Golf Expo and Forum in Palm Beach was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community, progress, and the future of golf. Greenwood Golf was honored to attend and actively participate in this inspiring gathering, where we connected with golf leaders, learned about exciting new initiatives, and witnessed firsthand the groundbreaking developments that are set to shape the sport’s future. One of the most impactful aspects of the Expo was the opportunity to engage with other leaders in the African American golf community. These connections are vital as we work together to promote diversity, inclusion, and excellence in the sport. The Expo provided a platform to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and forge partnerships that will help us continue to grow and support the Greenwood Golf community.” —Chris Word, CEO, Greenwood Golf
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“Hi Jim! Thank you so much for passing this along and for the opportunity to present at the Expo! It was a pleasure getting to share THE JOHN SHIPPEN story and we are so appreciative of the opportunity and hotel night consideration. All the best,” —Solomon Hughes, Director, Marketing & Development, The John Shippen Classic
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“Hello Jim, I and my family had an awesome time at the EXPO. Ezekiel (2 years old) enjoyed himself from the first day all the way to the time we left Tuesday morning to fly back to New Jersey. We are already anticipating the announcement for the 2025 expo and are informing other golfers who would like to attend next year. It was a pleasure in meeting you and we will definitely keep in touch! Kind Regards,” —Michael Lassiter, President, Strong Exploits
“Thank You for allowing Tristan and I to participate in the 2024 Golf EXPO and Clinic. It allowed us to learn more about golf and different career opportunities. Most of all we had lots of fun.” —Tristan & Derron Blake
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“Dear Jim, I want to express our appreciation for your warm welcome at the African American Golf Expo. My wife, Nina, Jim and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience, and we look forward to being truly involved next year. Please let us know when you will be in our area so that we can give you a tour of the Historical Shady Rest Country Club and of course play nine holes with us at the “First Ever Black Owned Country Club in America”. We would love to host an event, maybe a clinic, sometime in the near future. Please let us know what you think and how we can work together on this. Thank you again and congratulations on a successful event.” —Tom Donatelli, Chairman, Preserve Shady Rest Committee
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“James, It was great to meet you in person and I appreciate the opportunity to be involved and support the EXPO. Hope you bring it back to our County soon.” —Todd Fleming, VP & Executive Director, Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, PGA TOUR
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“As for me it’s always a win, win, whenever black folks are engaged in a positive atmosphere. I enjoyed seeing you again as always the ultimate host. I thought Arthur Johnson’s exhibit was (12) on a scale of (10). Sharing some history and brilliant display of four African American Golfing Giants, that have passed on to greener pastures. Charlie Sifford, Calvin Peete, Lee Elders, and James Black. Talk about talent, it don’t get much better than that. Maybe with the exception of one Teddy Rhodes. Teddy I never met, just his daughter and granddaughter, but I had the pleasure of meeting all of the other four and I cherish those memories. For the little time that I attended all was good. I regret not having the time to interact with more vendors and guests.” —John Perry, Retired in Orlando, Fla.
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“This is one of the most significant events in the history of Black golf. It is a wonderful opportunity to advance the game through networking, exhibits and informative sessions. The experience alone is super rewarding. It is a must for the golf enthusiast. I applaud Jim Beatty and his staff for their commitment to this epic event and support them wholeheartedly —Pete McDaniel, Journalist and Historian, Author, Uneven Lies
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“Thank you for bringing the African American Golf Expo to Palm Beach County! This event provided an incredible opportunity for our local golf community to connect with fellow golfers from across the nation and gain valuable insights into the golf industry. From the engaging keynote speakers to the informative sessions, it was a fantastic learning experience. The networking opportunities were exceptional, and I’m already marking my calendar for 2025!” —Martha Clark, President, Fairview Golf Club, Inc.
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Impact
The EXPO is making an impact locally and nationally, we bring people together and they book rooms, spend money and generate an economic impact in the communities hosting the event. This year, I was presented with two proclamations from governmental entities acknowledging that the EXPO generated 450 rooms and an economic impact of $360,000. This was presented to me by Bobby Powell former Florida state senator and now a member of the Palm Beach County Commission.
EXPO Awardees
The Jerry Tarde Courage Award was presented to Jim Awtrey, the first CEO of the PGA of America, because of his stance with Shoal Creek regarding their nonacceptance of Blacks as members. PGA Golf Professional Jim Awtrey, Past CEO of the PGA of America, is recommended as a candidate to receive the second Jerry Tarde Courage and Commitment Award in recognition of his contributions to advancing Black people and the Black community in the game and business of golf. The following notables support this recommendation.
In 1990, the change in our PGA Championship Site Selection Policy stipulated that future PGA Championship host clubs must feature open-membership policies and demonstrate that they have minority representation. PGA TOUR, USGA and Augusta National also adopted this policy. Shortly after this policy went into effect, private golf clubs started allowing Black people to be members. In 1995, PGA of America elected George Lewis as an Independent Director to serve on its National Board. Mr. Lewis became the first Black PGA Board Director. Other Black executives and women also became Independent Directors of the PGA National Board.- The EXPO International Ambassadorship
The EXPO awarded its first International ambassadorship to Glenville Pratt.
Glen is a renowned golf instructor with more than 40 years of professional golf experience traveling throughout the USA and a three-time Bahamas National Golf . He turned pro in 1982 and was the youngest Bahamian head golf pro in the history of golf in The Bahamas. He is currently the president of Bahamas Professional Golfers Association.
EXPO Volunteer of The Year
It goes without saying that when one enters the Palm Beach County area, the impact of Malachi and Essie Knowles will be immediately felt. This dynamic duo are always giving back to the community, whether serving as the ultimate hosts on their “patio”, leading the Inner City Youth Golfers Inc., presenting the African American Golfers Hall of Fame or building the ICYG and African American Museum Clubhouse, they just give and give.
The EXPO was proud to name this couple the Volunteer of the Year.
Speakers
Simply the most outstanding lineup ever! Starting with Maulana Dotch, the first Black female GM in America, The Pro Duffers National President, former National President and head of their foundation, Solomon Hughes, of the John Shippen Golf Tournament ,Chuck Walker, I Am A Golfer Foundation and the Southwest Airlines Showcase at Cedar Crest.
The EXPO also had an outstanding Adaptive Sports Panel, who shared their life’s stories about their challenges and triumphs and lastly our esteemed keynote speaker, Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Rhett gave the most impressive speech I have ever heard in which he talked about his recent climb of Mount Everest and the daily challenges of Life. Thank You Rhett
This was undoubtably the best lineup of speakers the EXPO has had to date.
My Thoughts
I , the committee, the volunteer, the sponsors and supporters want the EXPO to continue connecting people and ideas which lead to action in this great game and industry. As we consider new locations I would appreciate your suggestions. I accept and appreciate all feedback as I know it is all based in the spirit of community to improve and enhance the experience. I will always do my best to serve my community and everyone who supports my community through the EXPO. Thank to each of you who have attended or supported me in any way for allowing me to have served the industry for the past several years and I hope for several more. Join me in 2025. Stay updated by visiting https://aagolfexpo.com
and Jimmie Vincent, 10Allin Foundation
