UL STUDENT DEVELOPS BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS + INFO APP

by Kristina Charles

Davondrick Lewis, a full-time senior at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and IT Support Specialist, is now the owner of his own Web-App called blkowned.io. The app is to provide the Acadiana community with the resource that brings information on black owned businesses to one place.

“During this time, I believe they (businesses) need more help than anything especially with the pandemic going on, then add the systemic racism that’s been going on in America. I’m just trying to bring awareness to these places that might need the help,” Davondrick said.

Davondrick attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Lafayette and as a result, realized that an app about movements and business in Acadiana is just what the community is missing. “The idea sparked in my mind that it would benefit the Acadiana area if I created an app that would bring information on these protests, petitions and black owned businesses to one place,” he said.

Davondrick, who is majoring in Informatics said it only took him 3 weeks to create his Web-app “I hope to have a positive impact and bring a lot of business to places in Lafayette that didn’t get it before as well as help them thrive, become bigger and get more clientele.”

After launching the web-app, Davondrick received an influx of positive feedback from the community. “I’ve gotten a lot of support over it. All of the feedback has been positive,” he said.

He humbly wants to not only receive the positive recognition but is looking for ways he can improve the app from users. “I always ask someone when they send me a business to add for feedback and if ther's anything that I can do better.”

He has received restaurant suggestions for places located in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houston. Due to working alone at the moment, he wants the app locally based and focused on the communities and businesses in Acadiana.

“I’ve been focusing more on Lafayette and getting everything situated in this area. It’s a lot of work to do by myself; I am trying to keep it small-scaled right now.”

Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have had the strongest impact on spreading the word of Blkowned. io. College students, family, and friends help to get the word out by sharing the app through Instagram stories. “It’s in the plan to make it bigger than it is. I want to be able to help as many communities as I can and spread information to as many areas as I can.”

If you would like to keep up with local events, protests, petitions and business in Acadiana, please sign up on www.blkowned.io and remember to support black owned businesses.