A panel of PennWest faculty, alumni, students and community members will discuss the history of America’s Black Wall Street and the influence of Black entrepreneurs. Panelists include:
- Dr. Rhonda Matthews, associate professor of political science and women’s students in PennWest’s Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, is an active researcher in the areas of intersectionality, gender and women’s studies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Alcorn State University, a master’s degree in counseling from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Oklahoma. Matthews is dedicated to the advocacy and empowerment of women and children because of her previous work as a counselor for sexual assault survivors.
- Angelica Spraggins is a graduate of PennWest Counseling program. She is also co-owner of Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life and co-founder of Erie's Black Wall Street, which promotes entrepreneurship within the Black community.
- Tiffany LaVette, a graduate of PennWest’s Master of Social Work program, is a mentor and life coach. Her business ventures include ownership of ABC 24 Hour Child Care Center, transportation services and a food truck.
- Marva Keys-Morris is the owner of Zenedge Energy Drink, a brand of functional beverages that are low in caffeine. Keys-Morris owned and successfully operated a plastic blow molding company in Detroit before acquiring Zenedge Inc. in 2009. She led the company into its first major retail and online accounts, including Country Fair, ShopRite, Walmart and Amazon.
All Black History Month events are open to the public and will be livestreamed on PennWest’s YouTube channel.
