[Washington, D.C.] , August 1, 2024 – The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) proudly culminated its National Conference with a spectacular 15th Anniversary Gala on Friday, July 19th. The event, presented by American Airlines, drew over 500 esteemed guests who gathered to honor the Black business community’s achievements and celebrate USBC’s milestone anniversary.
In Photo: Nate Gatten, Chief Government Affairs Officer at American Airlines with Ron Busby Sr., USBC President & CEO
In Photo: Members of the Bowie State Gospel Chior
The evening was filled with live entertainment that captivated the audience, featuring performances by the acclaimed Kindred the Family Soul and the Bowie State Gospel Choir. The gala also highlighted the remarkable contributions of Black businesses and organizations through prestigious awards.
Award Recipients:
- Chamber of the Year: Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce
- Corporation of the Year: Verizon
- Small Business of the Year: Black Promoters Collective
In Photo: Charles O’Neal, Alisa Joseph, Larry C. Borders, GDBCC Board Chair; C.J. Broderick, President & CEO of GDBCC; Ron Busby Sr., USBC President & CEO
In Photo: Members of the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce including Paula WattsAbigail Baker, Hayden Singleton, Montina Young Frazie, Dewayane Johnson, Cheryl Scales Michael Hill,Melvin Coleman, President & CEO, and Markee Tate.
In a significant highlight of the evening, selected chambers received over $40,000 in micro-grants. These grants, presented by AT&T through USBC’s Igniting Black Entrepreneurship initiative, aim to empower and support the growth of Black entrepreneurs nationwide.
$10,000 Atlanta Black Chambers
$7,500 Madison Black Chamber of Commerce Inc (MBCC)
$5,000 Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce (GDBCC)
$5,000 African American CC of PA, NJ, DE
$2,500 Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce (LIAACC)
$2,500 Black Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico (BCCNM)
$2,500 Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber Of Commerce (GLAAACC)
$2,500 Greater Baltimore Black Chamber Of Commerce (GBBCC)
$1,250 Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC)
$1,250 Upstate New York Black Chamber of Commerce (UNYBCC)
Adding to the momentous occasion, Charles O’Neal, USBC Chairman of the Board, honored Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO of USBC, with the inaugural “Eye of the Prize” award. This distinguished award, recognizing outstanding leadership and vision, will be presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing Black businesses.
In Photo: Members of the USBC Board of Directors including Kalisha Garrett, Aimee Griffin, Susan Vanderbilt, Antwanye Ford, Charles O’Neal, Bridget Gagne, Jim Winston, Steven Hightower.
Photo credit: Camille Mosley-Pasley, Pasley Place Photography
In Photo: USBC Staff – Talisha Bekavac, EVP; Donna Jackson, Program Director of Greenwood Women’s Business Center; Alexis Kyei-Asare, USBC Intern; Jordan Slade, External Relations Manager; Alisa Joseph, VP & Director of Programs; Alicea Gay, VP of External Affairs, ByBlack; Ron Busby Sr., USBC President & CEO; Jamon Phenix, Chief of Staff; Tiffany Mayes Eholor, Program Manager; Ronald Busby Jr., Head of ByBlack; Braxton Gunter, Head of Engineering, ByBlack; Phillip Dunn, Programs & Membership Engagement Manager
“This gala was a true celebration of our community’s resilience, achievements, and future potential,” said Ron Busby Sr. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, partners, and attendees for making this night unforgettable. Together, we are igniting a brighter future for Black entrepreneurs.”
The USBC 15th Anniversary Gala was a testament to the organization’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic empowerment and growth within the Black business community. As USBC looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for, connect, and support Black-owned businesses nationwide.
For more information about the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and upcoming events, please visit www.usblackchambers.org.
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About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership, and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.
