130 Businesses/Vendors in One Place is Our Strength: Black Business Showcase Convention, April 14, 2019

Tunnel Vision Entertainment’s yearly nonprofit initiatives have included turkey drives that distributed 300 birds and back to school (bag) giveaways for up to 500 students. In the story of the school bags, Tunnel Vision owner and Fort Wayne native Richard Phillips filled carts of pencils, pens, and pads at Walmart, aided by his children who were recruited to work.

Phillips, whenever he does community work, wants his children, “his main employees” there with them, to show them, in person, “always a blessing to bless someone else,” he said. His wife Brandy is there as well…every little step he takes. “She keeps my head clear. She’s my backbone.”

For 2019, entrepreneur Phillips wanted to do what he modestly called “something different.” Mission accomplished.

On April 14, 2019, a Sunday, Tunnel Vision will present the Black Business Showcase Convention, a convocation of 130 sponsored (i.e. free) vendor booths, black food vendors, and music performances from local acts, held at Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, 3320 North Clinton Street (two blocks from Glenbrook Mall), from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The one-of-a-kind event will be hosted by “Voice of the City” Big Kess, with music provided by the Music Lover’s Lounge’s impresarios DJ Polaris and DJ Barrage. The door charge is only $5 and is free for children age 6 and under (four moonwalks will be on site, including one manned by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants).

“For [only] $5, I want you to have money to spend with vendors: food, clothing, hair, a little bit of everything,” Phillips said. “When I saw all of the different types…the public is definitely going to love it.”

The categories of businesses/groups at the convention include, but are not limited to, the following: hair and beauty, clothing, jewelry, cooking, fitness, African products, real estate, daycare, taxes, art/photography, home cleaning, party planning, barbers, baking, health and wellness, and insurance, as well as some churches.

One of the event’s many partners (including the Fort Wayne Ink Spot’s media sponsorship), Pizza Hut agreed to sponsor all of the vendor tables. Phillips had to cut off the number at 113 when the demand became so high.

Sponsor Walmart South not only wanted a booth, according to Phillips, but will be on site to interview for new positions, including a new venture for online shopping. Nonprofit groups will also be on hand.

On April 13, the Saturday before Black Business Showcase Convention, Tunnel Vision will present a huge eye exam and eyeglasses giveaway for 100 youths, held at all four Long Optical locations. In order to participate in the giveaway, parents or guardians will need to pick up confirmation tickets on Tuesday, April 9 at the Renaissance Pointe YMCA, located at 2323 Bowser Ave., from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; this giveaway is only valid for the first 100 participants.

After the free exams, youths in need of a shiny new pair will be able to choose between 72 different frames of eye glasses on April 13.

Any questions about the Black Business Showcase Convention, call the Tunnel Vision offices at 260.225.8100.