Organizers in Summit County hope to usher in a new era of economic empowerment with the launch of the Black Chamber of Commerce – Summit County (BCCSC) during an event this month. Spearheaded by Robert E. DeJournett, President & CEO, and Misty E. Beasley, Vice President, the BCCSC is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and strengthening the region’s economic landscape by supporting Black-owned businesses.
Organizers say the need for a Black Chamber of Commerce is clear. While organizations like the Greater Akron Chamber and others are doing important work, DeJournett says no one is focused exclusively on the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. The BCCSC aims to fill that gap by offering targeted support, education, advocacy, and resources tailored to Black businesses.
DeJournett pointed out a 2018 report by Elevate Greater Akron which showed that the city’s Black population is “excluded from economic opportunity – which represents a major threat to growth and competitiveness.”
The report goes on to say, “Akron cannot succeed if its black population, which represents nearly a third of the city’s residents, continues to be deprived of opportunities to contribute to, and benefit from, the economy.”
“People wonder ‘why do you need a Black Chamber?’” DeJournett said. “Obviously our Black businesses are not at some of these tables. They don’t have access to some of the resources that other businesses are privy to.”
Veronica Cook-Euell, President, CEO and Executive Consultant for the Euell Construction & Consulting Group, is one of the BCCSC’s founding donors.
“It is important to have a Black Chamber of Commerce because it allows direct focus on issues and needs of the Black community that are not necessarily the same issues faced for non-minority businesses,” she said.
As a CEO, Cook-Euell says she has a great appreciation for what it takes to be a business owner. She said she hopes the BCCSC will “forge a sense of inclusion and intentionality” for Black-owned businesses.
“My sincere vision and hope for Akron’s Black Chamber of Commerce is that we will set an example for not only Akron, but for cities throughout Ohio and beyond that Black-owned businesses contribute to the economy of the communities they reside by creating jobs and add to the neighborhood’s vitality,” she said. “This contribution also fosters the next generation of business owners and adds to the bottom line of our community’s economic footprint and ecosystem”
The BCCSC will focus on Black entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where these businesses can thrive and contribute to the local economy. The group plans to focus on advocacy, resources, and opportunities for networking, education, and business development.
DeJournett said he hopes the mission will increase visibility for Black-owned businesses and create an inclusive space for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The group plans to do an economic impact study of its own in the first year to gauge the health of Black-owned businesses in the community.
“True equity means how do we level the playing field so everyone has an opportunity to succeed, and when you’re talking about equity you need to give more support where support is needed,” DeJournett says. “And right now there’s no equity, and I believe our study will show that.”
DeJournett points to efforts in Cincinnati, where the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in shaping economic policy and providing mentorship. The Cincinnati group’s president and CEO Eric Kearney, will be the keynote speaker at Akron’s soldout inaugural fundraiser and launch event called “In The Room” on Feb. 20.
With a goal of reaching 100 founding donors, the BCCSC is seeking contributions to fund its initiatives. Founding donors will receive exclusive recognition and play an integral role in shaping the organization’s future. The vision for the BCCSC is not only to impact Akron, but to serve as a model for other cities, showing how Black businesses contribute significantly to local economies.
The BCCSC is inviting community members, businesses, and leaders to get involved. Contributions can be made directly to the organization, with support playing a crucial role in fueling its growth and mission to elevate Black businesses across Summit County.