The first statewide annual conference to focus on the strategic issues around building Black businesses in Appalachia will take place Monday, April 8 at Marshall Health Network Arena in Huntington. Alan Letton, a visiting scholar at Marshall and director of the new Center for Economic and Community Development in Black Appalachia and Isolated Communities, is organizing "Seeds for Growth: Building Black Business in West Virginia." The one-day event is part of the week-long Bridging Innovation Conference and will feature engaging speakers, focused panel discussions, and networking opportunities for small business owners, community members, and anyone interested in supporting the growth of Black and minority-owned business in West Virginia