Black Wall Street Event Showcases Entrepreneurs at EIU

CHARLESTON, Ill. — Students flocked to South Quad Commons on Feb. 27 for the Black Wall Street event, designed to highlight and support Black-owned businesses. Hosted by the Office of Belonging, Access, and Engagement, the event featured nearly 10 vendors eager to share their entrepreneurial journeys and sell their unique products.

Among the vendors was Marschelle McCoy, owner of Revival City Doughnuts, who noted the challenges she faces as the only brick-and-mortar Black-owned business in Coles County. ‘If there were more Black-owned stores here, there would be more credibility, but the community here is very supportive,’ McCoy said. Despite the struggle for representation, she maintains optimism. ‘With support from the community and a prayer, we will be OK.’

Sophomore health science major Aniya Evans, who operates Sweet Treats with Good Eats, provided free sugar cookies to introduce her baking business. ‘I really love to bake; I was always told that food was good and that I should start selling,’ Evans explained. However, she faces logistical challenges due to living on campus. ‘It’s a bit of a struggle to find a place to cook,’ she added.

Graduate student Samari Rosenthal showcased her custom T-shirt line, driven by family motivation. ‘I started this in 2023; my dad motivated me to start a business,’ Rosenthal shared. Junior London Griffin and her classmate Reeana Collins also participated, promoting their accessories business, Charmistry. Griffin recalled, ‘I used to do this in high school but then stopped. I decided to do it again and added a bit more to it.’

Luis Paniagua, a second-year graduate student in student affairs, expressed his commitment to supporting his peers. ‘Although I am not part of the Black community, I still want to support in my own way,’ he said.

Event coordinator Cassidy Gavin emphasized the importance of supporting Black vendors during Black History Month. ‘We wanted to showcase Black vendors, local hidden gems, and just bring them all into one spot,’ Gavin said. ‘We aimed to create a community to showcase the Black dollar.’