Rose State College Celebrates Black History Month Published February 17, 2022

Efforts to support minority-owned businesses and provide opportunities to learn from community leaders 

February is Black History Month and Rose State College is celebrating the month with several events, including a minority-owned small business pop-up shop and the annual Black Male Summit. 

On Saturday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Rose State College Center for Success, Inclusion and Diversity is hosting the 2022 Minority-Owned Small Business Pop-Up Shop. More than 40 vendors will set up shop in the Student Union’s FNB Community Bank Ballroom where patrons can shop for goods and services from the minority community. 

“The pop-up shop provides the opportunity to showcase local minority-owned businesses. Many of these businesses have had difficulty during the pandemic and this type of event has saved their livelihood,” Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Affairs Dr. Monique Bruner said. “Just as Rose State has helped so many on their college and career paths, the pop-up shop helps business owners on their path to success.” 

Bruner oversees Rose State’s Center for Success, Inclusion and Diversity, which is a crucial resource for the development of students of color and other underrepresented populations on campus. The center provides support and guidance to ensure academic and social success by providing services, such as mentorship, advising, the Black Male Completion Program and connecting students with additional campus support services. 

“Rose State is proud to offer many resources and opportunities for underrepresented populations on campus and the Center for Success, Inclusion and Diversity is a large part of that,” President Dr. Jeanie Webb said. “Regardless of background, all have a home on our campus and we look forward to supporting minority-owned business owners and leaders.” 

Another event scheduled this month is the annual Black Male Summit which focuses on providing leadership development to young men along with the importance of education, scholarships, technology, athletics and life in general. The free event will be held on Thursday, March 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rose State College Student Union, 1720 Hudiburg Drive, Midwest City, OK, 73110. Seminar Room 109. Speakers include Joshua Busby from Langston University, Michael Chapple from Remington Park and Travis Hyche from the Oklahoma City Thunder. To register, call or email Dr. Bruner at 405-733-7524 or mbruner@rose.edu.