Students piled into South Quad Commons Feb. 27 for Black Wall Street—an event offering the opportunity to discover and start Black owned businesses.

The office of belonging, access and engagement hosted this event mainly for Black vendors to influence, sell and share their stories of how their businesses started.   

About 10 tables were showcased and each had their own aesthetic from desserts, to custom t-shirts and jewelry.  

Gallery • 2 Photos

Abe Ortiz

Marschelle McCoy from Revival City Doughnuts made an appearance at the Black Wall Street event in the South Quad Commons on Thursday to sell donuts and merchandise and to advertise her business.

Revival’s City Doughnuts’ owner Marschelle McCoy said she faced challenges considering that her shop is the only brick and mortar Black owned business in Coles County. 

“If there were more Black owned stores here, there will be more credibility, but the community here are very supportive,” McCoy said.  

Even though she doesn’t believe there isn’t enough representation, McCoy said she still has hope and her faith.   

“Like any other Black business, you will have issues like funding and resources,” she said. “But overall, between the community and a prayer, we will be OK.” 

Sophomore health science major Aniya Evans showcased her business Sweet Treats with Good Eats with free sugar cookies on her table.   

“I really love to bake; I was always told that food was good and that I should start selling,” Evans said.  

Though she enjoyed doing what she loved, Evans said she also faced a challenge.   

“I live on campus so it’s a bit of a struggle to find a place to cook,” Evans said. “However, if I can find a place to do it, then it will feel a bit better with selling them and the portions I make.” 

Samari Rosenthal, a school counseling major and grad student said she was motivated by her family as she showcased her custom T-shirts at the event.   

“I started this since 2023,” Rosenthal said. “My dad motivated me so I decided to start a business.” 

For some vendors that were there, they had an interest in creating a business since high school, like junior early childhood major London Griffin. Griffin and junior Reeana Collins showcased their business Charmistry.   

On their table, they had keychains, croc charms, waist beads and many more accessories.  

“I used to do this in high school but then stopped,” Griffin said. “But I decided to do it again and added a bit more to it.” 

Gallery • 3 Photos

Abe Ortiz

London Griffin (Middle) and Reeana Collins (Right) are both juniors running their booth Charmistry. The two make things like keychains, croc charms and waist beads.

The event had support from outside people who were in the business space. Luis Paniagua is a second-year grad student that’s majoring in student affairs, he works in the Office of Learning Access and Engagement.  

“I look forward to supporting my colleagues and what they are doing,” Paniagua said. “Although I am not part of the Black community. I still want to support in my own way as well.” 

Program assistant of the office of belonging, access and engagement Cassidy Gavin was there monitoring the event. She said she felt that this would be a good opportunity for Black vendors to be supported.  

“For Black History Month we wanted to showcase black vendors, local, hidden gems and just bring them all in one spot,” Gavin said. “We wanted to create a community to showcase the Black dollar.” 

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.