Buy the Block: Empowering Black Businesses at University of Missis…

The University of Mississippi’s NAACP chapter celebrated Black History Month with its annual Buy the Block event, turning the spotlight on Black entrepreneurs and their businesses. This initiative, rooted in the idea of community upliftment and economic empowerment, has evolved into a key event, showcasing the richness of Black entrepreneurship and fostering connections within the community. Advertisment Community Engagement and Economic Empowerment Buy the Block serves not just as an expo but as a beacon of hope and a testament to the resilience and creativity within the Black business community. According to Meghan Curry, NAACP president and a junior at the university, the event has seen significant growth over the past three years, indicating a rising interest and support for Black-owned businesses. Azurrea Curry, emphasizing the uniqueness of the event, highlighted its role in bringing visibility to Black businesses that are often overlooked. Participants like Tricia Gipson, owner of Blessed Hands Salon, and T’yanna Hudgins, who runs Cheese Tasty Treats, shared their personal journeys and motivations, underscoring the event’s role in validating their efforts and aspirations. Inspiration and Legacy Advertisment Newcomers such as Jaivian Huges, with his culinary venture Hella Full, and Genesis Morozova, the force behind The Glam Lab,...