Events
BAU and GPI Celebrated Black Entrepreneurship
In honor of Black History Month, the Department of Diversity and Inclusion at Bay Atlantic University (BAU), in collaboration with The Global Policy Institute (GPI), presented a panel discussion titled A Celebration & Conversation About Black Enterprise with the goal of discussing how to become a successful Black Entrepreneur.
The panelists included:
Chris Bennett, T-I-L® (Technology-Innovation-Law), Founder
Ateba Gaines, BAU Faculty, Founder of Unreasonable Kids
Racquel W. Jones, Can I Live INC, President & CEO,
Moderator:
Jessica G Randolph, JessBe Creative, Founder
Paolo von Schirach, President, Global Policy Institute, gave welcoming remarks. Tyler Cargill, BAU Director of Diversity and Inclusion, introduced the Moderator.
The panelists gathered are all African Americans, all of them successful in their respective professions. They willingly shared their experiences and the challenges they faced in the course of their careers. The basic message that emerged from the diverse testimonials and observations made by all the panelists is that Black Enterprise can and will flourish once a “can do spirit” is genuinely embraced and adopted. In the course of a very animated discussion, there were many tales of huge hardships and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. However –all panelists agreed– these roadblocks were overcome through a combination of persistence and ingenuity. All the participants agreed that unfortunately there is still a great deal of bigotry and racial bias that make it much harder for African Americans to flourish in the American society. But they all agreed that, by learning and gaining skills, real opportunities can and will be created. New skills, combined with self-confidence deriving from the appreciation of one’s own unique qualities, are the real prerequisites for professional success and a balanced, fulfilled life.