Langston University’s Office of Student Life (OSL) brought together entrepreneurs and student-owned businesses across campus for its very own Black Expo, an event designed to connect students with black entrepreneurs who turned their ambitions and dreams into reality. Held in the university’s atrium, the expo featured a panel for students to talk with business owners and showcase student-owned businesses.
The expo featured discussions on challenges in leadership, personal growth, and navigating professional spaces where black professionals are often under-represented. In these discussions, panelists gave insight into what it takes to build and sustain a successful career.
Moderator Damien Simmons, sophomore class president and criminal justice major, asked, “What does owning a business mean to you?” Lorraine Hall, the first black woman to own a 3-star daycare in Oklahoma, said “Owning a business means to work with integrity. You won’t get very far taking shortcuts. When other people see you stand up for what’s good, you’ll be blessed, and they’ll trust you.”
One of the most powerful moments of the panel came when Simmons asked the speakers, “Do you ever get imposter syndrome?” The room quieted as students leaned in to hear how professionals dealt with self-doubt. 20-year realtor Donnie Hall responded by saying, “I used to, every day. ‘Is this what I’m supposed to be doing?’ You know? I used to look at myself like I didn’t belong because I was the only one in the room that looked like me. But then I realized—I wasn’t in those meetings by accident. I was good at what I did. So, all I can say is to remind yourself that you belong. The color of your skin is not a label. So don’t use excuses as a reason to fail.”
The event also gave students the chance to ask questions about their own struggles in business. One student, who creates content for social media, opened up about feeling unsupported by friends when trying to grow their platform.
“What do I do when the people who are your friends don’t support your business?” they asked. Brenda Riggins, CEO of Mars contracting, gave this statement, “Know your audience. The people often criticizing your goals show what they’re insecure about.”
As the discussion continued, Riggins continued to share her thoughts on what it takes to make it. “Not everyone can be an entrepreneur, but it can come from anywhere. When you are running a business, you gotta love what you’re doing. Because there will be rough days. Or days where things didn’t turn out the way you’d thought they would go.” Lorraine Hall chimed in, reinforcing the message. “Yes, that is correct. Many people fail because they give up too quickly. You reap what you sow. And that’s a process that’s continuous.”
Beyond the panel, students had the chance to shop and connect with student-owned businesses.
One of these businesses was Moodies, a clothing brand created by Dacia Hindsman, which has become very popular around campus. Yasmine Huntly, sophomore computer science major stated, “This event was nice, it was cool to hear the perspective of different people.” For students in attendance, the message was clear: Your background does not define your success, your mindset and effort do.
Josh Heck
Josh Heck is a junior broadcast journalism and computer science major.
