FAMU and FSU Students Collaborate to Create Solidarity within the Community

In recognition of Black History Month, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Student Government Association (SGA) and Florida State University’s (FSU) Black Student Union will host Blackout 2k8 Friday, February 29, through March 2, throughout the city of Tallahassee. The Blackout will instill a greater sense of pride in black-owned businesses and gear students and the community toward supporting black-owned businesses.

“It is frustrating to see black-owned businesses go out of businesses because we do not support them,” said Kianta Key, secretary of economic development for FAMU’s SGA and co-chair of Blackout. “I hope that this initiative will encourage our community to support our businesses and influence students to become entrepreneurs.”

The Blackout is patterned after the Black Solidarity Day that began in 1969. It was formed following Mahatma Gandhi’s protests for unity and strength and was developed from a play by Douglas Turner Warner titled “The Day of Absence,” which emphasized the important role blacks played in building the country.

Leading up to the Blackout, the FAMU SGA will hold the annual “Black is Green” Student Business Expo and a seminar focusing on the pros and cons of entrepreneurship Wednesday, February 27, and Thursday, February 28. The Expo will highlight student entrepreneurs from FAMU and FSU and will feature the Florida Black Business Investment Board, Inc. and the Grass Roots Investment Group, who will give students tips on seeking start-up financing.