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Building Wealth, Connecting Communities, Powering Progress
The National Black Chamber of Commerce® (NBCC) connects a powerful network of national and international chambers, business leaders, and enterprises driving economic growth across the global African diaspora. Representing over 140,000 members and $15 billion in annual spending power, we equip organizations with strategic advocacy, high-value partnerships, and international market access—empowering your chamber or business to expand, innovate, and lead on a global scale.
Powering Pan African Business Success Together
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THE NBCC STORY: A LEGACY OF ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
1900
National Negro Business League
Founded by Booker T. Washington
1920s
Decline of the National Movement
1991
National Business League Reestablished with 16 Chapters
1993
National Black Chamber of Commerce® Officially Incorporated
PRESENT
30+ Years of Impact
THE NBCC JOURNEY: FROM VISION TO IMPACT
The National Black Chamber of Commerce® represents the culmination of over a century of organized efforts to empower Black businesses in America. From its roots in Booker T. Washington's National Negro Business League of 1900 to its official incorporation in 1993, the NBCC stands as a testament to perseverance in the face of economic challenges.
HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
The movement began in 1900 when Booker T. Washington founded the National Negro Business League with Carnegie's backing, creating a coalition of 40 southern towns that served Black-owned enterprises within segregated communities. Though activity waned by the 1920s, the foundation was laid for future organizations.
MODERN REVIVAL
Empowering the Black Business Community for 30 Years, the National Black Chamber of Commerce® is the nation’s first federation of Black chambers of commerce dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities through entrepreneurship and capitalistic activity within the United States. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NBCC was founded in 1992 by Harry Alford and Kay DeBow. Today the organization has 200+ chambers across 40 states and 50 nations.
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What we stand for
WE TRANSFORM THE LANDSCAPE FOR PAN-AFRICAN ENTERPRISES
OPENING DOORS
We help you secure major contracts, access growth capital, build strategic partnerships, and expand your market reach across the global marketplace.
BUILDING NETWORKS
We unite business owners across the African diaspora to create powerful connections. You'll meet partners and mentors who can help scale your business globally
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Meet The Board of Directors of the NBCC
The executive committee that jointly supervises the activities of the National Black Chamber of Commerce
CHARLES H. DEBOW III
President, CEO
Founding Member, Chairman
President Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce
LARRY D. IVORY
MARIAH T. HOWARD
Chief Innovation Officer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LARRY D. IVORY
Chairman NBCC, President and Founder Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce
TARNISHA CLIATT
CEO and Founder, Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce
RONALD GREGG, ESQ.
General Counsel NBCC; President and Founder, Richmond County Black & Minority Chamber of Commerce
DOROTHY LEAVELL
Past Chairwoman NBCC; Editor and Publisher Chicago Crusader & Gary Crusader; Former President, NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association); Former Chairwoman, NNPA Foundation
COURTNEY REYNOLDS
Past Chairwoman NBCC; President, Reynolds Cleaning Services, LLC
MELINDA SYLVESTER
President, Georgia Greater Black Chamber of Commerce; Publisher Faith & Soul Magazine
NATHANIEL RIDO
Past Chairman NBCC; President Southeast Vocational Alliance
JOHN E. HARMON, IOM
Past Chairman NBCC; President and Founder, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
J.R. JONES
Past Chairman NBCC; President and Founder, Mississippi Black Chamber of Commerce; President SANJO Security, Inc.
FREDERICK E. JORDAN, P.E.
Past Chairman NBCC; President and Founder, San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce; President F.E. Jordan & Associate
J. ALEXANDER MARTIN
President and Founder, New York State Black Chamber of Commerce; Cofounder FUBU (For Us By Us), President, For Us By Us Network
ANTHONY ROBINSON, ESQ.
Past Chairman NBCC; President and Founder, Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MBELDEF)
KEYMANNA PAULIS
CEO, Keymanna Management; COO, The Georgia Entertainment Association
OUR PROGRAMS
At the NBCC, we empower national chambers, business associations, and Pan-African entrepreneurs worldwide. Our strategic programs drive success at every stage of business, from securing international funding to winning government contracts. By uniting our collective economic power, we provide the tools, networks, and advocacy needed to help small businesses thrive in the global marketplace.
GAIN ACCESS TO CAPITAL
We connect enterprises to funding, government contracts, and venture capital. Whether you're a new chamber or an established enterprise, NBCC provides exclusive opportunities to fuel international growth.
NETWORKING AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Through NBCC, you'll gain access to invaluable connections, including international ambassadors, federal commissioners, members of Congress, and contracting officers. At NBCC, we create connections that drive lasting business success and economic growth across continents.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING ASSISTANCE
Navigating the complexities of government contracts can be daunting. That's why NBCC offers expert guidance on securing local, state, federal, and international contracts, giving our members a competitive edge in public sector opportunities worldwide.
ADVOCACY AND REPRESENTATION
NBCC champions policies that drive economic equity and business growth across the African diaspora. We advocate for inclusive legislation, expand access to government and corporate contracts, and ensure our members' voices shape policies that impact global commerce.
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
BLOGS AND NEWS
Some the latest news and happenings about the NBBC
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
Ella James • 20 Jan 2024
30mins read
BUILDING GENERATIONAL WEALTH THROUGH BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
As we celebrate black business month, its crucial to examine how entrepreneurship serves as a powerful vehicle for creating lasting generational wealth in our communities. Studies show that business ownership accounts for 30-50% of the nation’s wealth inequality gap
Read Article
OUR GALLERY
From networking events to milestone celebrations, our gallery showcases the vibrant spirit of pan-African entrepreneurship
