Few Words

About the Chamber

Our Accomplishments

Juneteenth Festival and Rodeo, Black Law Student Receptions, Youth Cultural Affairs Banquet, Voters Education Workshop, Small Business Seminars, and many others.

Our Mission

The Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce existence is exclusively charitable, cultural and educational.

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Chamber is to stimulate the economic, cultural, and social environment of Abilene for all people in general and Black people specifically, and to create a climate which enhances these developments.

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Abilene Black Chamber

The Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce was founded in May 1975 by John E. McCowan, Thomas H. Mays and Robert English. It was the second Black Chamber organized in the State of Texas. In 1979, the Chamber became inactive, but later reorganized in 1985. This reorganization was a result of several local Black leaders recognizing the need for Black organizations, businesses and entrepreneurs to pool their efforts, energies, knowledge and experience to achieve positive economic growth. From this reorganization, the Chamber’s purpose and goal was defined: To stimulate the economic, cultural and social environment of Abilene for all people in general and black people specifically, and to create a climate which enhances these developments.

Today, the Black Chamber can assist small businesses with information to get started through seminars as well as provide exposure to a network of businesses and professionals. The Chamber’s cultural activities include the annual Martin Luther King Jr banquet celebration, Juneteenth Festival, scholarships for graduating seniors, Quarterly Membership meetings to keep members abreast of upcoming events to name a few.