U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Hosts White House Roundtable for Black Professional Associations (Washington, DC) — The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), the nation’s leading voice for Black businesses, convened a White House roundtable for Black professional associations earlier this week. This significant event brought together key officials from the Biden-Harris Administration alongside leading Black business and professional organizations to address critical issues impacting Black communities and businesses.

The roundtable aimed to facilitate a meaningful dialogue on collective challenges, with a specific focus on recent attacks targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the corporate and public sectors. Under the guidance of USBC, participants engaged in discussions centered on economic empowerment, and advancing racial equity within the private and public sectors.

Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., emphasized the importance of this gathering, stating, “The White House Roundtable for Black Professional Associations signifies a pivotal moment for leaders to unite and collaborate with the Biden-Harris Administration in advancing equitable economic opportunities and racial equity. Participation in this event allows organizations to shape the administration’s agenda during the closing months of its first term and beyond.”

In particular, the roundtable agenda featured presentations from the White House’s Domestic Policy Council and Office of Public Engagement and insights from the Department of Treasury’s Counselor for Racial Equity. Furthermore, the event showcased the unveiling of USBC’s 2024 BLACKprint publication and updated policy priorities. This timely and valuable discussion furnished attendees with vital information and actionable items to advocate for robust and inclusive economic policies.

Distinguished leaders from organizations represented included:

Ron Busby, Sr., President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
Marcia L. Conner, Executive Director of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators
Camille Moore, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, American Association of Black in Energy
Phyllis Dickerson, CEO, African American Mayors Association
Jevay Grooms, PhD, Board Member National Economic Association and Assistant Professor of Economics, Howard University
Nicole Elam, President & CEO, National Bankers Association
Antwanye Ford, President & CEO, Enlightened and USBC Board of Directors Vice Chairman
Chesley Maddox Dorsey, CEO, American Urban Radio Networks
Kristi Love, National Office Assistant, National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc.
Charles O’Neal, President, Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce and USBC Board of Directors Chairman
Omari Aarons-Martin, Executive Director & COO, National African American Insurance Association
Clement Troutman, Member & Franchise Owner, Black Franchise Leadership Council
Gerard Lowe, National Vice President, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
Tonya Jackson, Executive Director, National Black Nurses Association
Jessica Fulton, Interim President and Vice President of Policy, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
H. Beecher Hicks, III, President & CEO, National Black MBA Association

This event underscores USBC’s steadfast commitment to driving change and advancing the interests of Black businesses and communities nationwide. By fostering collaboration among diverse voices and perspectives, USBC aims to implement tangible and enduring solutions that uplift historically disadvantaged communities.

Here’s what some of the organization leaders who attended the meeting are saying:

“It was an honor to participate in the White House roundtable for Black Professional Associations. In this environment of increasing backlash against DEI initiatives, it is vital to support organizations that continue to fight for equity and economic empowerment, and we applaud this administration for doing that. As President and CEO of the National Bankers Association, I welcome the opportunity to represent the interests of minority depository institutions (MDIs) and support their crucial mission of reducing the racial wealth gap.” -Nicole Elam, President and CEO of the National Bankers Association

“The National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc. (NABSW) comprised of people of African ancestry, is committed to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research. Our mission is to work to create a world in which people of African ancestry will live free from racial domination, economic exploitation, and cultural oppression. In collaboration with national, international, and other appropriate groups, NABSW will continue to leverage its collective expertise to strategically develop the capacity of people of African ancestry to sustain and flourish. The National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) commends the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. for their leadership and alignment with social work ACTIONS: Accountability, Collaboration, Transformation, Innovations, Outcomes, Navigation, and Solutions! NABSW’s vision is guided by the Principles of the Nguzo Saba, which are Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Our vision is also guided by the Seven Cardinal Virtues of Ma’at, which are Right, Truth, Justice, Order, Reciprocity, Balance, and Harmony.” -Kristi Love, National Office Assistant of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc.

“According to Joint Center research, Black entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing affordable capital and quality technical support and participating in procurement processes. The US Black Chambers is playing a vital role in addressing these issues with policy solutions to support the 35 percent of Black Americans prioritizing entrepreneurship in their financial goals.” -Jessica Fulton, Interim President & Vice President of Policy of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

“Our member mayors understand the importance of working with the federal government, as well as the private sector to advance economic development in the communities they represent. Together with our partners like the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., we can pioneer pathways to sustainable economic growth, generational wealth, and equitable financial opportunities,” said the CEO of the African American Mayor’s Association, Phyllis Dickerson. “We appreciate President Biden’s support in building up our cities and their local economies.” -Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of the African American Mayors Association

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Hosts White House Roundtable for Black Professional Associations

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