A Parallel Cultural Experience: African American Golf Expo & Forum During PGA Show Week
As golf enthusiasts descend upon Orlando, Florida, in January 2026, the buzz around the PGA Show intensifies. However, parallel to this renowned event is the African American Golf Expo & Forum, taking place from January 21-24 at the Orange County Convention Center. This unique gathering promises to spotlight heritage, innovation, and representation in golf, creating an enriching experience for all attendees.
Spotlighting Ebony Greens: A Cultural Trailblazer
Among the exhibitors at the Expo is Ebony Greens, a Black-owned golf apparel brand that stands at the forefront of redefining modern golf culture. Founded to honor the legacy of minority golfers, Ebony Greens crafts apparel that transcends traditional boundaries, blending performance with Afrocentric storytelling. Their mission extends beyond merely creating clothing; they are passionate about representation and connection to the game.
Roderick Shawn Summerville, the visionary Founder & CEO of Ebony Greens, embodies this mission. “Golf has always been about tradition,” he remarks. “Ebony Greens is about expanding that tradition—making the course a place where culture, history, and excellence coexist.” This statement captures the brand’s essence, making it a focal point in discussions about inclusivity and representation in golf.
Heritage and Innovation: The Links to Our Roots
At the African American Golf Expo & Forum, Ebony Greens will unveil its 2026 design direction, titled The Links to Our Roots. This concept, rich with dual meanings, explores both the fairways played and the ancestral ties grounding golfers. The first micro-collection, Heritage on the Green, presents a compelling mix of retro-geometric prints and modern golf silhouettes. It’s a celebration of heritage with a contemporary twist—timeless yet forward-thinking.
Ebony Greens distinguishes itself through authentic cultural representation inspired by African heritage and a deep respect for Black golf history. Each piece is crafted with performance-first considerations, focusing on comfort and mobility for today’s athletes, while inclusively addressing the needs of underserved communities in the sport.
The Mission of the African American Golf Expo & Forum
The African American Golf Expo & Forum has a vital mission: to educate and inform African Americans and all people of color about career and business opportunities within the $102 billion golf industry. With African Americans currently representing less than 3% of the industry, the EXPO aims to significantly improve this statistic.
Since its inception in 2021, the EXPO has been hosted in cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Louisville, and West Palm Beach, attracting over 2,000 attendees and generating nearly $2 million in economic impact. Jim Beatty, the CEO of Jim Beatty Golf Ventures and the founder of the EXPO, emphasizes the importance of such events in bridging gaps and opening doors within the industry.
Why Attendees Should Engage
Attendees at the African American Golf Expo will find a wealth of resources aimed at fostering growth and education within the golf community. From workshops to keynote speakers, the forum is designed to engage participants across all levels, be they industry professionals, aspiring marketers, or enthusiastic newcomers to the sport. This year’s event promises to be particularly impactful by showcasing new innovations and strategies for inclusivity in golf.
Furthermore, being collocated with the PGA Show offers attendees a rare opportunity to participate in discussions that intertwine both cultural heritage and cutting-edge golf technology.
Celebrating Diversity on the Course
The African American Golf Expo & Forum is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of diversity within the sport of golf. It invites participants to reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences that shape the game today while fostering discussions about its future. As Ebony Greens and other brands participate, they reinforce the notion that golf is not just a game but a cultural experience that should embody stories from all walks of life.
With an inspiring agenda set for the 2026 EXPO, the stage is set for a momentous week in Orlando—a week that promises to honor the past, elevate the present, and inspire the future of golf for underrepresented communities.
For further updates and detailed schedules, attendees can visit the African American Golf Expo website, where information is consistently refreshed leading up to the event.