Yesterday, March 4th, was Fat Tuesday—Mardi Gras! While many business schools across Oklahoma continued with business as usual, here at Langston University School of Business (LUSB), we embraced the spirit of celebration, culture, and community!
I brought in King Cake, and the students found the baby! I even dressed up while lecturing in my strategy class, blending education with the rich traditions of Louisiana. But here’s the magical trick…
I did not grow up celebrating Mardi Gras.
I’m a proud son of Shreveport, North Louisiana, raised in the 1970s and 1980s—an era and region where Mardi Gras wasn’t widely observed. Mardi Gras is a Southern Louisiana tradition I didn’t truly appreciate until I became a mature man. Yet, when I had the opportunity to learn, grow, and embrace cultural traditions different from mine, I did.
Why? Because cultural intelligence matters.
As some in society push anti-diversity narratives, the truth is that cultural intelligence will be more critical than ever in the global business world. Businesses that thrive are the ones that value differences, respect diverse perspectives, and build inclusive teams.
At Langston Business, we don’t discredit differences—we value them. Each culture brings something unique, adding depth, creativity, and competitive advantage. And here’s what I firmly believe:
✨ You can change if you choose to.
✨ You can grow if you’re open to learning.
✨ You can succeed if you embrace the world around you.
At **LUSB, we celebrate cultures, foster inclusion, and prepare future business leaders who understand the power of diversity. Whether it’s Mardi Gras, Black Wall Street, Hispanic Heritage, or Global Business Insights, we know that embracing culture is the key to success in the 21st century.
So, join us, celebrate with us, and grow with us. At Langston Business, we are building a community of leaders who win by embracing the world.
Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!) ðŸŽðŸŽ¶
© 2025 by D. D. Green
About Dr. Daryl Green:
Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, speaker, and noted author. He is the new Business School Dean at Langston University. Dr. Green has been featured and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. In 2016, he retired from the DOE, where he worked as a senior engineer for over 27 years. Dr. Green is an award-winning speaker and author with several published books, including Job Strategies for the 21st Century, Small Business Marketing, and Marketing for Professionals. For more information about this article or business assistance, please contact Dr. Green at advice@darylgreen.org.