Black Power 96 Radio at Southern Hospitality Weekend: Building Black business, ownership and connection

If there is one thing New Orleans does exceptionally well, it is bringing the right people into the same room. Southern Hospitality Weekend 2026 did exactly that.

Founded and hosted by New Orleans hospitality powerhouse Larry Morrow of Morrow Hospitality, this first-ever Southern Hospitality Weekend was not about entertainment or spectacle. It was about business, ownership, and access. It was a full day intentionally designed for Black hospitality professionals, entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and industry leaders who are serious about building something that lasts.

Black Power 96 was honored to be invited to cover the weekend, and from the moment the doors opened, it was clear this was a different kind of convening. This was a room full of people who understand that culture drives the industry, but ownership secures the future.

From January 16 through 18 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Black Power 96 Radio was on the ground at the first-ever Southern Hospitality Weekend, a multi-day hospitality and business conference in New Orleans brought together more than 2,000 hospitality professionals, business owners, chefs, investors, and industry leaders for concentrated discussions on ownership, networking, and economic growth.

Larry Morrow Sets the Tone for the Weekend

Founder and host Larry Morrow opens Southern Hospitality Weekend, setting the tone for ownership, access, and legacy.

Larry Morrow opened the day speaking not only as a restaurateur, but as a builder who understands the responsibility that comes with ownership. His message centered on legacy, leadership, and the importance of creating pathways for others.

“Hospitality is not just about service. It is about ownership, leadership, and creating something that lasts beyond you.”

That framing carried through the entire day. Southern Hospitality Weekend was about institutions, not moments. About long-term vision, not short-term wins.

Real Business Conversations, Not Surface-Level Talk

Panelists discuss strategy, decision-making, and positioning in hospitality business.

Panels throughout the day addressed the realities of doing business at scale. In conversations centered on deals, positioning, and decision-making, Robert LeBlanc emphasized preparation and presence.

“You do not stumble into success. You plan for it, position yourself for it, and you show up prepared.”

These were the kinds of conversations many professionals rarely get access to, and the room leaned in.

Turning Passion Into Profitable, Sustainable Business

Culinary leaders like Keith Lee discuss how creativity, consistency, and discipline translate into profitable businesses.

Culinary leaders like Keith Lee broke down how food, culture, and creativity must be supported by structure, systems, and discipline. The takeaway was clear. Passion opens the door, but strategy keeps it open.

Hospitality is emotional work, but the business behind it must be intentional.

Brand, Visibility, and Staying Power

Panelists discuss branding, visibility, and long-term relevance in hospitality and business.

Branding sessions reminded attendees that reputation is currency. Speakers talked openly about storytelling, consistency, and clarity, especially in an industry where visibility does not always translate into ownership.

Being seen is important. Being structured is essential.

Pinky Cole on Legacy and Responsibility

Pinky Cole speaks on building legacy and scaling hospitality businesses with purpose.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Pinky Cole, whose words landed with clarity and conviction.

“Ownership changes everything. It changes how you move, how you think, and how you give back.”

Her message resonated deeply with a room full of entrepreneurs navigating growth while trying to remain grounded in community.

Rick Ross on Thinking Bigger Than Today

Rick Ross speaks during the ownership conversation, emphasizing long-term vision and discipline.

Later in the day, Rick Ross added perspective on ownership that focused less on celebrity and more on mindset.

“Ownership is about thinking bigger than today. It is about what you are building ten and twenty years from now.”

His comments reinforced the idea that ownership requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to reinvest, not just profit.

Food Trucks, Vendors, and Real Networking

Food trucks and hospitality vendors line the Artisan Avenue area, creating space for business and connection.

Beyond the stage, the Artisan Avenue and Food Truck Park became a hub for conversation and connection. Hospitality vendors and food truck operators showcased their work while exchanging ideas and contacts.

This was not just a break for lunch. This was business happening in real time.

Why The Weekend Mattered

Attendees listen and engage throughout the day-long program.

Southern Hospitality Weekend filled a real gap. It created a space where Black hospitality professionals could gather without dilution, speak honestly about ownership, and leave with tools, not just inspiration.

Final networking moments close out the inaugural Southern Hospitality Weekend.

Black Power 96 extends sincere thanks to Larry Morrow and Morrow Hospitality, the speakers, vendors, food truck operators, and organizers for inviting us to be part of this historic first weekend. We are proud to document spaces where Black ownership, excellence, and community are centered with intention.