See you in 2026!

Legacy Talk Business Mixer



Attendees gained valuable insights, connected with industry leaders, and were inspired by impactful conversations on business, leadership, and legacy-building. Pinky Cole gave genuine authenticity and true value, she literally shared the good, bad and reality of building a $100 million dollar brand.  The gems just kept coming … the inspiration was definitely poured into the room and don’t get me started on how people felt the motivation to take it to the next level

LEGACY AWARDS GALA

The unforgettable Legacy Awards Gala is a night dedicated to celebrating Black Excellence, entrepreneurship, and rich history.

From the moment guests stepped into the Black Wall Street Museum experience, they were immersed in a powerful tribute to our past—honoring the legacy of Black business, resilience, and innovation. The energy in the room was unmatched as we recognized some of the most influential and impactful leaders in our community, reminding us all of the importance of carrying that legacy forward.


Download the 2025 Book of Business


Place your business ad in the 2025 WDB Marketing Book of Business or our POWER Conference program. Boost your brand’s awareness with a robust distribution of these books with 1,000 + printed copies given to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Weekend participants, including our LEGACY Power Conference Attendees and Awards Gala Event Attendees on site. Your digital ad copy will also be digitally distributed in our weekly newsletters, email advertising partners, social media and more, exposing your brand to 10,000 + new potential clients!

Download Here

LEGACY Takeover Brunch

The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Weekend culminated with the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Sunday Takeover Brunch, offering a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere to unwind, connect, and celebrate. Guests will enjoy a curated brunch experience, engaging conversations, and a stylish close to an unforgettable weekend of excellence, empowerment, and community.

WDB Young Entrepreneur of the Year

LEGACY is about giving back and making an impact.  One of the highlights of the weekend is our Young Entrepreneur of the Year contest that takes place during our awards gala on Saturday, March 15th.  The contest will feature a pitch from 3 young entrepreneurs (25 or younger) in front of our awards gala audience.  The winner will win over $25,000 in prizes to help grow their business including cash, marketing support, legal advisory, PR campaign and more!  Entry is free so we are encouraging every young entrepreneur to apply or nominate someone today! 


Sponsored by WDB Cares NFP

past speakers

Keeana Barber

Serita Love

Marseil Jackson

TeQuila Shabazz

Robiar Smith

Whitney Hampton

James Wheeler

Cassiopeia

Rosezena Pierce

View all speakers

Major Event Sponsors

Black Restaurant Food Showcase

One of the highlights of LEGACY is our Black Restaurant showcase.  During the awards gala reception indulge in over 15 Black owned restaurants and spirit lines including with all tickets!

Learn more

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past Media Partners

  • The Black Mall

    The Black Mall

  • What U Need Is

    What U Need Is

  • Black People Eats

    Black People Eats

  • The Brunch Bunch

    The Brunch Bunch

  • The Early & Tia Show

    The Early & Tia Show

  • Olashay Marketing

    Olashay Marketing

  • AMPR Group

    AMPR Group

  • Black Chicago Eats

    Black Chicago Eats

  • Success Junkie

    Success Junkie

  • Eventnoire

    Eventnoire

  • Black Women Professional League

    Black Women Professional League

  • That's Why I'm Here

    That's Why I'm Here

  • The Times Weekly

    The Times Weekly

  • Youth Talkz

    Youth Talkz

Latest Press & Media Coverage

ABC 2025 interview

By Keeana Barber • March 9, 2025
Since 2020, WDB Marketing and its nonprofit arm, WDB Cares , have been a lifeline for small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing grants, education and mentorship. The organization's eighth annual WDB L.E.G.A.C.Y. (Leadership, Education, Growth, Advocacy, Community, and Youth) Awards Weekend will take place from March 14 to March 16. This three-day extravaganza promises to be a vibrant celebration of Black entrepreneurs, offering a platform for inspiration, education, and networking for over 1,000 businesses.

2024 L.E.G.A.C.Y. Coverage on CBS News

By Keeana Barber • March 11, 2024

2024 L.E.G.A.C.Y. Coverage on WGN and CBS News

By Keeana Barber • February 18, 2024

POWER CONFERENCE 

Moved to the Summer!

june 20, 2025

We are excited to announce that the POWER Conference will be hosted in the Summer of 2025!  The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Power Conference will provide informational support to Black Business Owners in the areas of Marketing, Operations, Financing, Corporate Contracts, Personal Development and more. Our goal is to provide inspiration, information and resources to help entrepreneurs scale and grow their business to 7 figures and beyond.

Over 30 Powerful speakers

L.E.G.A.C.Y. FAQS

Weekend Guide coming soon!

DOWNLOAD OUR WEEKEND GUIDE!

  • What is the event outline?

    Friday, March  14, 2025


    Legacy Vip Night

    6pm to 8pm

    Anyone with a ticket for Legacy Weekend and All Access



    Saturday, March 15, 2025

    LEGACY Awards Gala

    Hosted in downtown Chicago


    6:00pm to 12:00am

    6:00pm to 8:00pm Reception/Restaurant Showcase

    8:00pm to 10:30pm Awards Gala

    10:30pm to 12:00am After Party


     Sunday, March 16 , 2025

    Appreciation Brunch

    TBA


  • What is the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Gala?

    The L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards has become a meeting ground for aspiring and established entrepreneurs to network, collaborate and celebrate each other. This event is one of the top celebrations for Black Entrepreneurs in the City of Chicago, attracting over 800 businesses annually, with an anticipated attendance of 1,000 entrepreneurs this year. The event features a Black Restaurant Showcase, Young Entrepreneur Contest, an Awards Gala.

  • What is WDB Cares?

    WDB Cares is a 501c3 organization committed to empowering emerging businesses and innovative young minds. With a focus on providing financial assistance, educational tools, mentorship, and vital resources, we strive to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where diversity is celebrated and every entrepreneur, regardless of background, has the opportunity to flourish. 

  • How can you contribute to building LEGACY?

    All are welcomed to donate to assist LEGACY efforts. Please visit our donation page. 

  • Ad Deadlines

    ALL ADS ARE DUE BY MAR 5th 

    1/4 Page AD - 2024 BOOK OF BUSINESS - $150.00 (4.25” wide by 5.5” height, Resolution 300dpi, File formats: .pdf or .jpg, Include a .25" bleed-around ad for safe text for artwork)


    Feature your business in the 2025 Book of Business with a Quarter Page Size Ad. Boost your brand’s awareness with a robust distribution of these books with 1,000 printed copies given to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Events Attendees on site. Your digital ad copy will also be digitally distributed in our weekly newsletters, email advertising partners, social media and more, exposing your brand to 10,000 + new potential clients!


    1/2 Page AD - 2024 BOOK OF BUSINESS - $250.00 (8.5” wide by 5.5” height, Resolution 300dpi, File formats: .pdf or .jpg, Include a .25" bleed-around ad for safe text for artwork )


    Feature your business in the 2025 Book of Business with a Half Page Size Ad. Boost your brand’s awareness with a robust distribution of these books with 1,000 printed copies given to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Events Attendees on site. Your digital ad copy will also be digitally distributed in our weekly newsletters, email advertising partners, social media and more, exposing your brand to 10,000 + new potential clients!


    FULL Page AD - 2025 BOOK OF BUSINESS - $500.00 (8.5” wide by 11” height, Resolution 300dpi, File formats: .pdf or .jpg, Include a .25" bleed-around ad for safe text for artwork )


    Feature your business in the 2025 Book of Business with a Full-Page Size Ad. Boost your brand’s awareness with a robust distribution of these books with 1,000 printed copies given to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Events Attendees on site. Your digital ad copy will also be digitally distributed in our weekly newsletters, email advertising partners, social media and more, exposing your brand to 10,000 + new potential clients!


    LEGACY Awards Gala - Table Sponsor 3/15/25

    $2,500.00


    Receive 10 VIP Tickets, Sponsored Table seating with YOUR company’s name & Logo, and a Full Page Size Ad in our 2025 Book of Business. Boost your brand’s awareness with a robust distribution of these books with 600 printed copies given to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Events Attendees on site.


    LEGACY Awards General Sponsorship

    $5,000.00


    Table Sponsorship for Awards Gala (includes 10 VIP Tickets)

    5 Tickets to VIP MIxer

    2 Tickets to Sunday Brunch

    Logo placement on website

    Social media recognition on all platforms


    LEGACY Awards General Sponsorship

    $10,000.00


    10, 000 sponsorship includes:


    Logo Placement on Event Backdrop

    Logo Placement in Email Marketing (50,000 emails)  

    Table Sponsorship for Awards Gala (includes 10 VIP Tickets)

    5 Tickets to VIP MIxer

    5 Tickets to Sunday Brunch

    Logo placement on website

    Social media recognition on all platforms

  • Ticket Types and Benefits:

    Awards Gala General Admission (Early Bird) $75.00

    Ticket includes

    Event date and time: Saturday, March 15, 2024

    6:00 pm to 12:00 pm


    Awards Gala VIP Ticket (Early Bird) $125.00

    Ticket includes access to VIP Lounge, Special Food Vendors, 2 Drink Tickets, VIP Bar and Gift Bag

    Event date and time: Saturday, March 2, 2024

    6:00 pm to 12:00 am


    All Access VIP LEGACY Weekend Pass (Early Bird) $200.00

    Ticket includes invite-only VIP Night Thursday, February 29th

    VIP Ticket to Awards Gala

    VIP Conference ticket, premium seating and speaker meet and greet

    Premium gift bag

    Bonus: 2-month complimentary membership to LEGACY Network!


    LEGACY Talks Mixer 3/14/25 General (Early Bird) $50.00


    LEGACY Sunday Brunch 3/16/25 - Early Bird

    $50.00




  • Special Placement

    LEGACY Awards Gala - Table Sponsor 3/15/25

    $2,500.00


    Receive 10 VIP Tickets, Sponsored Table seating with YOUR company’s name & Logo, and a Full Page Size Ad in our 2025 Book of Business. Boost your brand’s awareness with a robust distribution of these books with 600 printed copies given to L.E.G.A.C.Y. Awards Events Attendees on site.


    LEGACY Awards General Sponsorship

    $5,000.00


    Table Sponsorship for Awards Gala (includes 10 VIP Tickets)

    5 Tickets to VIP MIxer

    2 Tickets to Sunday Brunch

    Logo placement on website

    Social media recognition on all platforms


    LEGACY Awards General Sponsorship

    $10,000.00


    10, 000 sponsorship includes:


    Logo Placement on Event Backdrop

    Logo Placement in Email Marketing (50,000 emails)  

    Table Sponsorship for Awards Gala (includes 10 VIP Tickets)

    5 Tickets to VIP MIxer

    5 Tickets to Sunday Brunch

    Logo placement on website

    Social media recognition on all platforms



  • General Information

    Parking will be Available