Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Businesses In Expo At Greenwood Cultural Center

Some talented Tulsa kids are showing off their businesses Thursday night at the Greenwood Cultural Center, selling all kinds of products they’ve made by hand.

Coordinators say this time in Tulsa's history is so important to inspire young entrepreneurs.

Every business owner at the expo is under 18 and they're showing off everything from artwork to soap to candles - even slime.

About 35 kids set up shop at the Greenwood Cultural Center, all with innovative businesses they're trying to grow.

"I see a lot of young people doing stuff like this. I wanted to see what it was all about," said Kavaei Patterson.

At KP's Jewelry and Boutique, 11-year-old Kavaei and her brother Chance have all kinds of toys and jewelry they're ready to showcase. The two have even started their own bank accounts, but Kavaei said her favorite part is "spending time with my family."

Nine-year-old Maddie Head has handmade soaps and she's even giving some of her profits to charity.

"Most kids don't get to do these things and I'm lucky to do this," Maddie said.

Youth Entrepreneur Expo Coordinator Jayme Broome said this is all to inspire kids to be entrepreneurs in the spirit of Black Wall street. She said with the upcoming Tulsa Race Massacre centennial, the timing couldn't be better.

"Prior to the massacre, this area was booming," Broome said. "Greenwood was booming."

17-year-old Lucious Clement uses his graphic design skills to make shirts and posters, honoring Black Wall Street and how it is today.

"I got the mural here, I got some of the old pictures peeking through," Clement said.

12-year-old Kolbi Lucas started a card and shirt business called Kolbi's Afro-Mations after noticing a lack of representation.

"I went to the store to find a card and realized there aren't many black girls and women on these cards," Kolbi said.

Business is booming, and all the young entrepreneurs say they're just getting started.

"This is what this is about, to ignite that spirit and continue the legacy of Black Wall Street," Broome said.

This is the first year for the Expo that’s hosted and sponsored by the Greenwood Cultural Center – and that’s the plan for years to come.