By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
Coppin State University (CSU) assembled elected officials, business leaders, academic experts and community advocates for the 2026 Economic Inclusion and Innovation Research Conference (EIIRC) on April 30. The theme of the conference was, “Pathways to Opportunity: Intrapreneurship, Innovation and Economic Mobility,” representing the historically, Black university’s commitment to linking research, education and workforce outcomes.
President Anthony L. Jenkins opened the conference by defining CSU’s role as a champion for Baltimore’s underserved neighborhoods.
“Coppin State University has been committed to expanding, uplifting and creating economic mobility for West Baltimore,” said Jenkins. “Our work has been grounded in the belief that talent exists everywhere and that higher education should serve as a bridge that allows individuals and the community to reach their full potential.”
CSU is a key anchor institution in the ongoing revitalization of West Baltimore. Jenkins serves as the chair of the West North Avenue Development Authority, an agency established by the state to improve housing, public spaces, transportation and economic growth in West Baltimore.
During the conference, a panel of elected officials, developers and community development leaders gave updates on the status and trajectory of the project. Panelist Rian Hargrave, founder of Onyx Development, noted the transformation of eight vacant homes on the 300 block of N. Gilmore Street. Her company is working with the city to offer downpayment assistance and other grants.
“Because they had been vacant for 20 years, it took hundreds of thousands of dollars to put into one home. It’s a balance,” said Hargrave, speaking of the eight properties renovated. “Some people may see some of the pricing and think that’s not affordable, but what they don’t see is the assistance program that the city has. Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development is a partner, and stacking those subsidies really does make that mortgage affordable for first-time home buyers.”
Panelists also emphasized that revitalization efforts extend beyond housing to supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Delegates Melissa Wells (D-Md.-District 40) and Marlon Amprey (D-Md.-District 40) highlighted efforts to provide technical assistance and improve access to development contracts, ensuring that minority-owned businesses and neighborhood-based entrepreneurs can participate in and benefit from the corridor’s growth.
Stephen Rice, Maryland’s deputy secretary of commerce, spoke directly to high school students who attended the conference.
“I want you to remember something, and the governor says this quite often: there is no single correct path that everybody needs to take,” said Rice. “There’s only the path that is right for you.”
Rice said that while some students may pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year universities, there are a number of other options available to them. He highlighted investments by Governor Wes Moore in apprenticeship programs, which enable students to train and secure careers in life science, industrial maintenance and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Rice also noted support for student entrepreneurs through local incubators, accelerators and Junior Achievement of Central Maryland.
“Remember you have a lot of choices, and there are many paths,” said Rice. “The key is finding the path that is best for you.”
