Business
Black Chamber Profile: Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC)
“Constructive Leadership Since 1926”
The Oldest Black Chamber in America. Period.
(DALLAS, TX – August 8, 2025) – When we talk about legacy, we start in Dallas.
Founded in 1926, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) stands as the first Black chamber of commerce in the United States. Nearly a century later, it remains a pillar of power, progress, and purpose—leading the charge for economic equity across North Texas.
With nearly 100 years of constructive leadership, the DBCC has been more than just an organization—it has been a movement. A movement rooted in advocacy, access, and accountability. Whether pushing policy, elevating Black entrepreneurs, or creating pipelines to capital and contracts, DBCC has consistently shown the nation what real Black business leadership looks like.
Mission in Motion
The Chamber’s mission is clear: To advocate for the creation, growth, and general welfare of Black-owned businesses and organizations across North Texas. Through strategic referrals, public-private partnerships, educational seminars, technical assistance, and marketing, the DBCC is building a thriving ecosystem for Black excellence.
Its core areas of impact include:
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Economic Development
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Education
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Convention/Tourism
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Special Projects & Initiatives
A Legacy of Leadership
At the helm is President & CEO Harrison Blair, a third-generation community advocate whose leadership is deeply rooted in Dallas soil. The grandson of the legendary Bill Blair and son of Jordan Blair, Harrison continues the family’s commitment to uplifting the city through economic development, civic engagement, and business empowerment.
Under his leadership—and with Chairwoman Shenna Thomas and the Chamber’s dedicated board—DBCC continues to evolve as a force in local and statewide business circles. Blair also represents the Chamber on the North Texas Commission and the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce, ensuring Black business has a seat at every major table.
Why DBCC Still Leads
What started in 1926 has now expanded into a robust engine for Black business across Dallas and beyond. Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur or an established executive, DBCC offers the access, advocacy, and allyship needed to grow and thrive.
Because when Dallas moves, Black business moves.
And when Black business wins, Dallas wins.
🖥️ Learn more or become a member at dallasblackchamber.org
📍 North Texas and nationwide influence
📞 Contact: (214) 421-5200
Business
Deadline Aug. 5: Center for Black Entrepreneurship Opens Paid Internship Program for AUC Students
(ATLANTA — August 3, 2026) — The Center for Black Entrepreneurship is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Paid Internship Program, offering students across the Atlanta University Center an opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience while supporting programs designed to empower entrepreneurs.
The internship program is open to eligible students attending Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Morris Brown College.
Available internship opportunities include:
- Marketing and social media
- Photography and videography
- Administrative operations
Selected interns will work alongside Center for Black Entrepreneurship staff and industry partners while gaining real-world experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, event management, operations and program administration. Interns will also have opportunities to strengthen their professional skills, expand their networks and contribute to events and initiatives serving the AUC community.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be a sophomore, junior or senior
- Be currently enrolled at Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University or Morris Brown College
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Attend mandatory team meetings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Thursdays beginning at 5 p.m.
- Be available for occasional evening and weekend events
- Commit approximately 10 to 15 hours per week throughout the academic year
Required Application Materials
Students should be prepared to submit:
- A résumé
- A professional biography of at least 200 words
- An official or unofficial transcript
- One letter of recommendation
- A portfolio or work samples for photography and videography or marketing and social media positions
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.
With the deadline quickly approaching, interested and eligible students are encouraged to gather their materials and submit their applications as soon as possible.
The Center for Black Entrepreneurship is a collaborative initiative serving the Atlanta University Center and working to strengthen the pipeline of Black entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, professional development and access to entrepreneurial resources.
APPLY
(RICHMOND – February 23, 2026) – Black-owned newspapers are disappearing before our eyes.
Historic institutions that once carried our stories, defended our dignity, and documented our victories are folding across the country. Newsrooms that anchored neighborhoods for generations are going quiet. Seniors who relied on the printed word are now being forced into a digital world that did not wait for them.
This is not just a Black problem. It is not even just an American problem. It is global.
Technology disrupted everything.
We once used pagers. Then cell phones replaced them. House phones became optional. Now news lives in the palm of your hand. A single influencer with a smartphone can reach more people in seconds than a newsroom once could in a week.
The game changed.
Years ago, The Baltimore Sun recruited me to blog for them. Soon after, their reporters were required to shoot video on their phones. The thing is — I had already been doing that. Innovation wasn’t new to us. We were early.
But disruption leaves casualties.
When a Black newspaper closes, something more than a business disappears. Institutional memory vanishes. Accountability weakens. Community narrative shifts into someone else’s hands.
That void is dangerous.
That is why we built BlackUSA.News.
Not as nostalgia.
Not as resistance to change.
But as adaptation with intention.
I have worked in the Black Press since 1994. I have seen what happens when we control our story — and what happens when we don’t.
BlackUSA.News is our answer to this moment.
We are not watching the Black Press die.
We are rebuilding it — digitally, nationally, unapologetically.
And we welcome all who are ready to build with us.
Deadline Aug. 5: Center for Black Entrepreneurship Opens Paid Internship Program for AUC Students
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BlackUSA.News Unveils New National Platform Connecting Readers to America’s Leading Black Media
Gospel Legend Calvin Bridges Celebrates 50 Years of ‘I Can Go to God in Prayer,’ a Song That Helped Shape Black Gospel Music
Crawford Family Donates $2 Million to Spelman and Morehouse to Expand Opportunity for HBCU Students
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