Ft Worth Times

Entrepreneurial spirit shines as Black Business Expo doubles in size

From hairstyling to home cooking, longtime business owners to new startups, entrepreneurial spirit was on full display Saturday, Feb. 18, during the fourth Black Business Expo at Columbia College.

Sixty vendors from around mid-Missouri set up shop in the Southwell Complex as about 450 community members checked out their products and services. This year’s expo was the largest such event yet at CC — and by a wide margin, more than doubling the number of businesses from the last edition.

The annual expo is organized by the college’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“Columbia College is a pillar in the community,” says beauty salon owner Roy Lovelady, “so to have a pillar in the community have a vested interest in the Black and brown community definitely says a lot. It’s neat being out here. It’s a great experience and a networking opportunity to get out and see other Black businesses that I might not have known about.

“It’s just elating to see so much culture in one room.”

Lovelady owns 360 Star Styling Studio and offered hairstyling to customers during the expo. He also serves on the Columbia City Council.

“I think this is a great event,” Lovelady says. “I wish it could happen more. As people talk about it and ask how to become part of it, it’s becoming more well-known.”

The four-hour public event operated as a free open house, with a brief program and entertainment during the second hour, including a performance by the 360 Stars in Motion youth dance team under Lovelady’s direction.

The purpose of the expo is to shine a spotlight on minority-owned small businesses.

“The Black Business Expo represents the hope, the strength, the partnership and the spirit of the Beloved Community teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” says Alejandra Gudiño, the college’s director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “For us at Columbia College, it represents the possibility, the opportunity and the honor to host and uplift these business owners’ voices and efforts.”

Columbia College President Dr. David Russell in his brief remarks encouraged attendees to visit all of the participating businesses, learn more about what they do and ultimately invest in their efforts.

“Today we have the opportunity to celebrate Black-owned businesses as well as the spirit of entrepreneurship that is vibrant throughout our community,” Russell said.

The college compiled a directory of participating businesses, with the book named in honor of longtime community leader James “Jim” Whitt, who passed away in 2021. Annelle Whitt continues her husband’s legacy by running the James & Annelle Whitt Entrepreneurial Development Foundation.

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