The Black Student Association (BSA), KLEK radio station and the Kappa Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority hosted the annual Black Business Expo and highlighted Black-owned businesses in the area. 

This event was free for all vendors, with proceeds going directly back to them.

Ian Buchanan, BSA advisor, said this event is more appropriate this year than ever because the overall theme for Black History Month in 2025 is “African Americans in Labor.”

“This is a perfect example of how to support and show successful, thriving black owned businesses,” Buchanan said. “Small businesses, especially in today’s climate and economic climate, need your support. So we wanted to make sure that we highlighted those businesses, that we bring awareness to those businesses, and also that we support them financially through allowing them to come.”

Buchanan said this event was student led with BSA’s executive board doing all of the planning, coordination and outreach to businesses. 

“I think it’s important for students to see successful businesses, to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship, and to show them that no matter what it is, if they have an idea, it can make money if they pursue it,” Buchanan said. 

Kearstin Vaughn, vice president of BSA and director of special events, said it’s important to create spaces for Black students to feel comfortable and supported, as opportunities tailored to their needs are often lacking.

“I feel like, with the Black Student Association, we have to create spaces for us that make us feel unapologetically ourselves, so inviting businesses that support that agenda, we’re able to buy what is catered towards us,” the senior interdisciplinary studies student from Little Rock said. 

Janarie Prince, a sophomore psychology major from New Orleans, serves as the BSA treasurer. 

She said the expo is a great way for students who aren’t from Jonesboro to make connections and it is important to showcase the businesses in Jonesboro that are black-owned. 

“It just showcases to them (students) how much Black people have advanced in the community,” Prince said. “Especially in Jonesboro, being a predominantly white city or town, as you like to call it, it just shows them how many prominent places that we have that are Black-owned.”

LaQuita Lewis, owner of Greek Vine Custom Apparel and embroidery, had a booth at the event. Greek Vine is located at 2005 E Highland Drive in Jonesboro. and sells Greek apparel as well as custom embroidery. 

Lewis said she purchased the business in 2020 so she could do more for the Divine Nine Greek organizations that were underrepresented in this area. She said she has participated in this expo every year that she’s owned the business because it’s important for students to see that they can be a business owner with a degree. 

“Coming here today was kind of to show off my business, but also, if there are any questions about how to start a business, or things of that nature, I’m open to that. I also hire college students because it’s a way for them to have a part time job while still being able to do their studies on campus,” Lewis said. 

Lewis said this event has grown since she first started coming to it.

“I think it’s way more vendors than when I originally started. So it does make me happy to see that there are more black vendors here in Jonesboro,” Lewis said. “I think everybody should consider supporting small businesses, because, of course, we are kind of in the middle of a time when it’s hard to own a business. So when you support small business, not only are you supporting a business, but you’re supporting a family, a dream, a commitment to trying to grow.”

Buchanan said BSA is excited because new businesses were included in this year’s expo. One new face included “Queens Palace Beauty Supply”, a black-owned beauty and supply store established February 2024.

Versillia Hill, co-owner of “Queens Palace” located at 2704 Alexander Drive in Jonesboro, said they came to the expo to get more involved in the community and let people know they were here since they are a newer business. 

“You very rarely see Black beauty supply store owners in any community that you visit. So for us to have the means to open up the Black beauty supply store is very important. It’s making a statement. It’s letting people know that when you walk into the store, we’re able to talk to you about your hair,” Hill said. 

Hill said it’s important for students who aren’t from the area to know where options for their hair are located. 

“Hair care is important,” Hill said. “It’s everything for us, especially the black community. It’s everything from our braids to our natural hair, to our coils to using the right products. I remember having wash day getting ready for the whole week for school. You know, hair is just the number one thing. It’s your crown.”

Student owned businesses were also featured at this event. Jordy Onyekweli, a first-year biology major from Little Rock, tabled at the expo to promote his business that sells streetwear. 

The owner of “Ossai” said his business is important because everyone likes to look good. 

“Having a business can really teach you life lessons and how to navigate through life financially and through human conditions and on just a personal level it can give you something to do, you know, a source of income,” Onyekweli said. 

He said the primary way to shop from him would be to contact him on Instagram: @Oossaaii.

Ahmelia Williamson, a first-year social work major from Nashville, Arkansas, said she attended this expo to support the community. 

“Especially during Black History Month, I think it’s a really awesome opportunity to see businesses that you wouldn’t normally see. Oftentimes Black businesses get covered up, so it’s nice to come out and see what our community is doing,” Williamson said. 

Williamson said it’s important to shop locally to feed the Jonesboro economy, uplift the Black community and the community as a whole. 

“It is our goal with the BSA this year to collaborate with not just minority student organizations, but with organizations, period, across the community,” Buchanan said. “When we see events, we definitely want to support them. Definitely come out, even if you don’t buy anything, your presence alone helps us, because in this data driven society we are just trying to see who’s going to show up, who’s going to be a part of that.” 

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