Students, faculty, and staff represented the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at the fifth annual Black Founders Summit, “Fueling Growth for Black Companies Through Access to Capital,” at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock.
The summit brought together key national, state, and local business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and colleges for insights and discussions on the issues that matter most to Black entrepreneurs.
The summit, hosted by ReMix Ideas and Advancing Black Entrepreneurship, allowed UAPB attendees to learn, network, participate in question and answer sessions and demonstrations, and enjoy entertainment and food, according to a news release.
The 2024 speakers included the Rev. Cory Anderson, chief innovation officer, Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation; A.J. Brown III, deputy and director of business operations, Little Rock Air Force Base; P.J. Haynie, owner of Arkansas River Rice, Entrepreneur of the Year; Sekou Kaalaund, executive vice president, branch and small business banking, U.S. Bank; Cassandra Kidd, U.S. Bank business access advisor; Marnell Wicks Love, senior management consultant – Communities Unlimited; Benito Lubazibwa, founder and CEO of ReMix IDEAS, ABE, and Black Founders Summit; Joni Alexander Robinson, president and CEO of Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce; Kim Roxie, founder and CEO of Lamik Beauty; Arlo Washington, founder and president of People Trust Community Federal Credit Union; Harvey Williams, co-founder and CEO of Delta Dirt Distillery.
After the summit, UAPB participants were inspired to continue making a difference in their education and communities.
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“Public speaking is part of the fundamental training the students receive as Fellows of the ESLI,” said Kathy L. Richards, associate director of Placement and Assessment, UAPB ESLI. “Many of the fellows are aspiring entrepreneurs as well. Attending the Black Founders Summit was a fantastic opportunity for them to hear and interact with successful business leaders. We absolutely appreciate the opportunity, and it was especially great to hear Mr. Benito Lubazibwa, founder of ReMix Ideas and Black Founders Summit, repeatedly recognize the UAPB students who were in attendance.”
Tim Campbell, executive director of the ESLI at UAPB, also applauded the program.
“The Black Founders Summit reflected the key performance objectives required by ESLI fellows, including public speaking, networking, and professional presentation,” Campell said. “The summit powerfully highlighted Pine Bluff, defining it as a land of opportunity and youth development. The fellows were able to establish national connections with professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in Arkansas. Overall, the summit served as a pivotal platform for fostering growth and collaboration among emerging scholars and fellows.”
Dorian Henry, a UAPB senior and visual arts major, expressed the educational value of the summit, particularly the motivation gained from learning about Black excellence across various fields.
On behalf of the entire group, Jillian Cheatham, associate director of Leadership Development at UAPB’s Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute, thanked officials.
“We thank Ms. Angelisa Henry, interim executive director, UAPB Business Support Incubator, for including the Emerging Scholars Leadership Institute (and other campus attendees) in the opportunity to attend the summit,” Cheatham said.