LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – George Turner, the owner of Good Vibez, said his business is a family-friendly open mic group but to make it a success he needs people to support his small business year-round.

He was one of more than a dozen local businesses that came together on Saturday for the Black Owned Business Expo.

Turner said Good Vibez hosts events that allow people to perform music, poetry, and stories that are appropriate for all ages.

He said he got into the music business in 2011, before doing open mics.

“I realized there’s not really a place that I can come and do what I love, and my kids be welcome,” Turner said. “I love being able to share my passions with people and also include my kids.”

Sarah Wells-Britt, owner of Sarah’s Southern Comfort Foods, said it wasn’t exclusive to black businesses, but featured several entrepreneurs of color showing off what they do.

“Black History Month is a month where black-owned businesses typically see a surge in sales and then a lot of times those sales begin to dwindle,” she said. “We just want to bring awareness to the importance of when you do support black owned businesses, see how you can support them throughout the year.”

Turner echoed her message and said consumers should think more locally.

“This is a demographic that usually doesn’t get the same support as a white-owned business or a traditional business,” he said. “We have bills to pay, and we have families, and we need that support just as much as Walmart and Sam’s Club.”