Paul Quinn College Hosts Black Founder Weekend for Economic Growth

A Groundbreaking Weekend at the Intersection of Culture and Capital

Black Founder Weekend 2025, a first-of-its-kind gathering in Dallas, brought more than just conversation to Paul Quinn College from June 27–29—it delivered intentional connection, real resources, and a tangible path toward equitable economic growth. Over the course of three days, more than 40 speakers, investors, and innovators converged to uplift Black entrepreneurship with a shared goal: to generate at least $100,000 in direct economic impact through funding deals, brand partnerships, service contracts, and job creation.

Set against the historic backdrop of Paul Quinn College—the country’s only urban work college—the event stood as both a celebration and a strategic move to center ownership, equity, and Black legacy in the heart of North Texas.

Paul Quinn College President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell shared his excitement for the event, marking the bold spirit of Black innovation present during the weekend. 

“We loved hosting the Black Founders Weekend. Our community of creators needs safe spaces to ideate, communicate, and fellowship. Paul Quinn College will always be that type of place for those types of people.”

Friday Afternoon Keynote: A Candid State of Black Innovation

The weekend officially launched Friday night with an opening happy hour hosted by The Connect Dallas, led by BFW25 advisory council member Taylor Moody. Founders and funders mingled with community leaders, laying the groundwork for the capital and collaboration that would unfold over the weekend.

One of Friday’s standout moments came from Industry Leader in Entrepreneur Education and South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center Leader Darlisa Diltz. Diltz delivered a powerful keynote asking the pointed question: Where are we really when it comes to Black innovation in America?

In a room full of entrepreneurs, investors, and advocates, Diltz offered a grounded, transparent assessment of the current entrepreneurial landscape—locally and nationwide.

She addressed structural challenges facing Black founders, including capital deserts, burnout from repetitive and ineffective programming, and the gap between visibility and sustained investment. But Diltz also spotlighted the bright spots: rising momentum, new models of ecosystem support, and a wave of innovators committed to rewriting the rules of engagement.

We Build It, We Own It: Black Innovation Without Permission

Saturday’s programming delivered one of the most resonant moments of the weekend during a fireside chat titled “We Build It, We Own It: Black Innovation Without Permission.” Moderated by Jessica Washington, CEO and publisher of Dallas Weekly, the conversation challenged attendees to consider what’s possible when Black founders stop waiting for a seat at someone else’s table—and start building the whole platform themselves.

The session featured Alphonzo “Phonz” Terrell, former head of global social at Twitter and co-founder of SPILL, a culture-first social app redefining what tech can look like when Black expression is placed at the center. In a no-fluff, candid exchange, Terrell unpacked the risks, real talk, and revelations behind leaving corporate security to launch something bold, unfiltered, and unapologetically Black.

The discussion touched on everything from early-stage funding and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship to reclaiming ownership and the importance of creating spaces where Black brilliance isn’t just welcomed—it’s built into the design. For many in the room, it was a turning point: not just inspiration, but permission to bet big on themselves.

Art as Asset: How Founders Can Start and Grow a Purposeful Collection

In a standout session under the INVEST track, Daisha Board—founder and owner of Daisha Board Gallery—captured attendees’ attention with her compelling vision for integrating art into entrepreneurship. Board’s segment emphasized that building an art collection is not solely about aesthetic appeal; it’s a strategic move that builds legacy, expands cultural capital, and can even increase in value over time.

Board broke down the process of curating an art portfolio as a tangible asset. She explained how new and seasoned founders alike can approach art collecting with clarity and intentionality, whether it’s furnishing a first office or curating a personal living space. Her guidance showed that art can function as more than decor—it can be an investment that aligns closely with a brand’s identity and core values.

Highlighting practical strategies, Board offered insights on sourcing emerging artists, supporting diverse creators, and selecting pieces that resonate with one’s business ethos. For many Black entrepreneurs, the session served as an empowering reminder that art is a tool for self-expression and financial growth, underpinning a broader narrative of cultural and economic self-determination.

Attendees left the session with not only fresh inspiration but also actionable steps to begin or expand their collections, reinforcing the idea that entrepreneurship and artistic expression are indeed intertwined assets in building a purposeful future

A Block Party with Purpose

Saturday afternoon expanded the celebration with a free community block party honoring Black Music Month. Complete with a live DJ, food and drinks from Black-owned vendors, and a showcase of local organizations doing grassroots work, the event created space for the wider public to plug in and celebrate Black excellence in all its forms.

This intersection of cultural joy and economic strategy is part of what made Black Founder Weekend feel so necessary at times like this. Organizers were intentional about blending the business of entrepreneurship with the heart of community.

The weekend closed on a high note with “Seeds & Mimosas,” a reflective brunch for visioning what’s next. Set to live music and guided by the energy of renewal, the brunch featured remarks from Jeff Meade, director of Paul Quinn’s new Entrepreneurship Program. His message echoed the core of the weekend: that legacy is built through intention, support, and sustained opportunity.

Black Founders Are Building—It’s Time the System Catches Up

According to event organizers, Black founders remain the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., yet receive less than 1% of venture capital. The average Black-owned business earns 11 times less revenue than its white-owned counterparts. Events like Black Founder Weekend don’t just address these gaps—they build the infrastructure to close them.

With its bold agenda, community-centered design, and outcome-driven approach, Black Founder Weekend 2025 has set a new bar for what entrepreneurship support can—and should—look like. Dallas showed up, and Black founders showed out. Now it’s up to the broader ecosystem to meet them where they are and fund what’s long been undervalued: Black vision, leadership, and enterprise.