Jackson State University’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management partnered with the Kauffman Foundation for Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Nov. 14-17.
“Unleashing the Entrepreneur Within” is this year’s theme. The week included myriad workshops and presenters who elucidated on topics such as how to craft an effective speech, entrepreneurship in agriculture, money management, how to push your image and much more.
President and CEO of the Freemount Corporation, entrepreneur, author, and Pulitzer Prize nominee Clifton Taulbert was the keynote speaker. His book “Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored” became a national bestseller and major motion picture. Taulbert was also invited to address members of the U.S. Supreme Court by former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor after she read his novel “Eight Habits of the Heart.”
Chosen by CNN to be a voice of the community, his literary work “Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons From An Unlikely Entrepreneur” is described as “a powerful and compelling story that captures the essence of an entrepreneurial mindset and the unlimited opportunities it can provide.”
Philanthropist, investor and accomplished businessman, and JSU alum Andrell Harris gave a franchising and wealth building presentation during the conference.
At the age of 16, Harris, and a friend, began a vending machine service that grew into Harris’ Vending Services with machines in over 50 locations throughout Mississippi. At the age of 24, Harris became an investor in Florida luxury beachfront property, and at the age of 28, he became the youngest sole Papa Johns franchisee in the history of the company.
“I judge my progress in life by how well I am able to bless others with what God has blessed me with,” Harris said.
GEW is not only celebrated across the United States but internationally noted Dr. Mary White, chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship and associate professor in the College of Business.
“It’s a good opportunity to get students thinking about wealth creation. If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, it doesn’t matter where you are,” she said.