Students at Mallard Creek High School honor the history of 'Black Wall Streets' while promoting business

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Students at Mallard Creek High School were given the chance to showcase their businesses to classmates at a school pop-up market on Friday. 

The event was held to help support students' dreams of becoming entrepreneurs come true.

In a long hallway filled with tables, students were hoping to chase their dreams while also promoting their businesses.

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“I want to be successful and just do something that I love to do which is clothing," student Asael Nouedontsop said.

The market is a first-of-its-kind event for Mallard Creek High School. Events like this help students prepare to enter an increasingly diverse economy. 

The pop-up “Buy-Black” student market featured student-run businesses during lunch as a tribute to the history of "Black Wall Streets" that existed across the country, including in the now-demolished Brooklyn neighborhood in Uptown.

Some students are expanding on their passions, from clothes to food to oils. 

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“They've learned so much and that just makes me so giddy as a teacher," Black Student Alliance Advisor Nekia Miller said. 

Miller is excited to see each of the participating students learn a valuable life lesson.

“So it is actually very important that they learn how, you know, businesses are started, how they can keep them going, and how they can give back to their community as well," Miller added.

At the event, students saw success play out right in front of their eyes.

Akeelah Caddle made over 60 cookies for her business. In less than 30 minutes, she sold out. 

“I'm just like, do I have to go back to class?" Caddle wondered. "Like, I just feel great that I started out and that I'm glad people are still part of my business.” 

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Each table held a passion for each student, with the hope of taking one more step to make their dreams a reality. 

Yhisaidy Merette sold oils at the pop-up market. 

“I have a dream of being a cosmetologist and a psychologist and a lot of psychology," Merette said. "Your mental state ... I feel like this does help with that."

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.