ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University held their eighth annual Black Market on Friday.
Businesses from throughout the state showcased their product in the heart of campus.
Zyah Cephus is the student government association president at SC State. She says being able to continue this tradition is important for students.
“I think it’s amazing that it’s here on this historic HBCU campus. We are the only public HBCU in the state of South Carolina," Cephus said. "So it’s important that we host this event. Students are here students get the chance … for some students this is the first ever at a market, this is their first time ever even selling their products, so it’s just amazing to get that experience and this kind of business.”
Shane Wall owns Godly Writes, a local Orangeburg business, and says this is a great opportunity.
“I love the fact that South Carolina State has opened their campus up to not just their students who have businesses, but also to the community," said Walls. “What is happening is a lot of Black business owners are being supported and it is just a beautiful opportunity to be able to share.”
Nevado Blake owns Jamaican restaurant Bamboo Cottage Distributors, based out of Columbia. He says making the drive to Orangeburg was necessary.
“I think having events like this is very important because it connects and reconnects a lot of people,” said Blake. “It allows the younger generation to be entwined with their history and our history.”
Xavier Mitchell-Brown is a student at SC state and started a clothing brand named One Love Worldwide.
“It’s important because it’s a really great network and these people will be here in the future,” said Mitchell-Brown. “So this really helps your future out and especially networking and building your platform.”
Approximately twenty vendors were in attendance in the SC State plaza.