Black businesses and talent were highlighted in the final Black History Month event put on by Students for the Propagation of Black Culture. 

“Everything we’re doing today is supporting our culture,” Julian Maze, founder of A-Maze-N-Enterprises said. 

Maze’s business focuses on wellness, diet, and fitness. 

“I want to look out for our community,” Maze said.

The event, held Friday, Feb. 25 in Ida Waldran Auditorium, hosted Black business owners and artists. 

Junior Jimeya Mayes, the co-chair of SPBC, performed an original spoken word set. 

Mayes was first introduced to spoken word through Brave New Voices, an International Poetry Slam Competition. 

“The poem ‘Angry Black Woman’ shook me to my soul,” Mayes said.

Mayes mother was an English teacher who helped her develop her skills. “I have no professional training.”

“Planning this was a lot with the ice storm,” Mayes said.

The event was titled “Black History Month Talent Night,” and was the finale to the multitude of events put on by the organization this month. 

Miss UCA Nia Kelley promoted her sister’s boutique: Meringue By TK. Kelley wore a dress from the boutique on her American Idol appearance in 2021.

Senior Marvin Russell, chair for the Black History Month committee, spoke on the importance of Black History Month. 

“We need to support each other instead of tearing each other down,” Russell said. 

Jaden Wilbur performed two pieces of original poetry, one of which was called ‘My Black Hand.’

“Our Black pain seems to be your most prized possession,” Wilbur said.

Junior Amiya Walker, a member of the SPBC executive board, promoted her eyelash business.

“I know what it feels like to want to get pretty, but I also know what it feels like to be in college,” Walker said. “If y’all think you can’t do two things at once, you should, there are more things out there in life. Stand your ground.”

Emcee Jeromy Hunt Jr. said that attendance has become more diversified at SPBC events as the month has gone on. 

“Each event, we see more different people,” Hunt said. “I think we are making an impact.”

Hunt stressed the importance of supporting Black businesses and talent. 

“It’s stuff we have to work on supporting, like Marvin said,” Hunt said. 

Russell thanked SPBC’s advisor, Angela Jackson, for all of her support. “I’ve been in your office this month more than ever.”

SPBC has hosted a multitude of events supporting Black History Month, including a Gospel Night and a formal Valentine’s Day event that featured poetry on Black love.

Students for the Propagation of Black Culture is a non-profit RSO dedicated to “spread Black culture while breaking barriers,” according to their Twitter page @ucark_spbc.