Join Syracuse University’s Blackstone LaunchPad on Friday, February 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons, first floor of Bird Library, for Afropreneurship, a celebration of black entrepreneurs. Register now
The event will include panel discussions. an open pitch competition, and a networking reception. It is being organized by Todd B. Rubin Diversity and Inclusion Scholar, Ud Joseph ’25 (iSchool), along with Brandon Henry ’24 (Maxwell), Adore Ellis ’23 (VPA), Jordan Pierre ’23 (Whitman), and Zebedayo Masongo ’23 (School of Law).
It will feature entrepreneurs such as Eli Smith, CEO of So Gone Trash Removal and Eli Smith Contractors, Lisa Newcomb, CEO of Thrive in Healing, and LaunchPad Alum Damaris (Koi) Munyua G’22 (Whitman).
A “Fast Pitch Challenge” will offer a $500 first prize for a creative and realistic solution to solve a problem in our community. The program will be moderated by Ud Joseph, and will showcase a number of Syracuse campus and community black entrepreneurs who are launching ventures.
A highlight of the program will be a feature from a rockstar LaunchPad Alum, Kelsey Davis. It will conclude with a networking reception. All are welcome to attend and commemorate Black History Month at this second annual event.