ROCHESTER, Minn. – NAACP is holding its Black Excellence expo this Saturday at the Two Discovery Square from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to put a spotlight on local black-owned businesses.

According to the Rochester NAACP there will be around 20 businesses in attendance this year including restaurants like Jersey Jo’s, beauty shops like Cashmere Lux, and as well as a variety of other local retailers.

Walé Elegbede, president of the local NAACP, said the point of the expo is to give black and minority businesses a chance to connect with people and the community and make themselves known.

“We want people to come, have a good time, eat food, buy products and services, ask questions,” Elegbede said.

Elegbede also said that for the general public, attendance at the expo is completely free, with the NAACP offering attendees the option to register in advance on its website.

According to the NAACP, attendees will be able to speak with featured retailers to learn more about their business and its mission, sample and buy products, and enjoy on-site catering services at the event.

The NAACP is also planning on holding a giveaway at the event for attendees to win cash prizes and gift cards for local businesses featured at the event.

Elegbede said that for those not participating in the event this year, another opportunity for them to support local black businesses this month would be through the NAACP’s “Explore and Give Black” campaign which encourages the community to visit four or more black businesses in the area and submit their receipts for the chance to win cash prizes or gift cards.