SU’s Llorens part of D.C. panel on building black-owned businesses

Southern University Chancellor James L. Llorens will be part of a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C. focusing on issues that impact African-Americans who own small business or who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs.

The discussion, hosted by Louisiana Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, is titled “Closing the wealth gap through the African-American Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.” It will be held at 10 a.m., Sept. 19, in the Russell Senate Office Building.

“This is a great opportunity to be part of a national conversation and strategy session with the ultimate goal of increasing the pool of African-American entrepreneurs,” Llorens said. “The information gathered at this event should be beneficial for our College of Business, our small business office and the Baton Rouge community.”

Others set to participate in the discussion include: Kasim Reed, mayor of Atlanta; Ron Busby, president of the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce; Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League; Mignon Clyburn, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner; and Doyle Mitchell, president and CEO of Industrial Bank and Chairman of the National Bankers Association Board.

Sen. Landrieu said, “I’m committed to helping all small business owners and potential entrepreneurs have a fair shot at making their business dreams a reality. An entrepreneur ecosystem is how well a community fosters a productive small business atmosphere; I look forward to meeting with leaders across the small business spectrum to find solution to issues that hinder the African-American Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.”

Members of Congress set to attend include: Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richman, Pennsylvania Congressman Chaka Fattah and New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.