Odyssey Media To Host 3rd Annual 'In The Black' Tour

Odyssey Media, the leading brand in the empowerment of multicultural women, has announced the return of IN THE BLACK, the high-octane event that provides a unique environment for multicultural women to share insights, discover business strategies and build relationships. More than 5,000 women have participated in previous IN THE BLACK programs in over 20 cities.

IN THE BLACK created a national buzz during the past two years when thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs took over the nation to gather in their little black dresses everywhere from the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., to the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta for straight talk about what it really takes to start and operate a business.

"We know that women are the pillars of our communities. We strongly believe in investing in women to foster economic growth and sustainable development. That's why we are working to empower 5 million women entrepreneurs by the year 2020 through The Coca-Cola Company's global 5by20 initiative," said Lori George Billingsley, Vice President of Community Connections at The Coca-Cola Company. "We are proud to support women entrepreneurs by partnering with Odyssey Media's In The Black Tour, a program that empowers women to build businesses, support their families and shape their communities."

For the third consecutive year, the tour is part of The Coca-Cola Company's 5by20 program, an initiative developed to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs worldwide by the year 2020.

This national tour, like no other, has repeatedly empowered thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs to launch their businesses, across every industry. And, it is in this spirit that IN THE BLACK returns to Houston, Texas. Over 150 women will attend the IN THE BLACK Houston event free, thanks to the generosity of The Coca-Cola Company.

Linda Spradley Dunn, CEO and Founder of Odyssey Media is quoted as saying "Harvey has been especially difficult for Black and Latina Small Business Owners and it has discouraged many who wanted to start a business. Our sisters need us, and we will be there! We will customize the program and focus on where women can get immediate help as well as what other Odyssey women around the world can do to help."

As part of The Coca-Cola Company's 5by20 program, IN THE BLACK offers panels, discussions and workshops that provide business skills to the audience. In addition, attendees also get to experience products from sponsor Coty, Inc., in the IN THE BLACK beauty stations, where they can transform their image using popular products, including Rimmel, Clairol, Sally Hansen and Covergirl.

IN THE BLACK launched in 2015 and became known for its unique motto that women need several tools to succeed including; a Little Black Dress (that quickly converts you from home-office CEO in sweats to serious, fun-loving, business owner ready to conquer the world), a Little Black Book (with a great list of colleagues, family, and friends that offer support, advice and guidance), a Black Box (full of tools and resources), a Black Bag (full of products that make you feel and look beautiful), a Lot of Black Ink (on your balance sheet, helping to keep your eye on profit and sustainability). Now in its 3rd year and having toured over 20 U.S. cities, this year IN THE BLACK expands its reach globally with the addition of tour stops in both Bermuda and Paris.

This national tour returns with its unique high-octane event featuring local businesswomen in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Houston. Featured speakers include; Denise Hamilton, Founder & CEO of Watch Her Work; Melanie Elturk, Founder & Co-owner of Haute Hijab; Sharmeen Hawkins, African-American businesswoman who owns over 15 franchises; Mikki Taylor, author and Essence Magazine Editor-at-large; Kelli Fisher and Tana Gilmore, also known as "The Matchmaking DUO," who quit their corporate jobs to start a matchmaking business for affluent multicultural men and women; and Lisa Price, Founder of Carol's Daughter.

The live events will kickoff in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 and extend to Hamilton, Bermuda, on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. The series will also feature dozens of virtual receptions across the U.S. on Nov. 15, 2017 with women arriving in little black dresses in homes, country clubs and neighborhood restaurants to network and view a recap of the 3-week event.

Attendees can expect the following tour dates:

Oct. 30, 2017-Atlanta, GA

Nov. 3, 2017-Los Angeles, CA

Nov. 5, 2017-New York, NY

Nov. 7, 2017-Philadelphia, PA

Nov. 10, 2017-Houston, TX

Nov. 12, 2017-Bermuda

Nov. 15, 2017-Various Virtual Locations

To register for the IN THE BLACK tour or to attend a virtual reception, visit www.intheblackinfo.com.