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Black Chamber Leaders Muse on D.C.-Area Economy

September 22, 2025

On September 18, leaders from various DMV area chambers of commerce gathered at Gallery O in Northeast D.C. for an event hosted by The Washington Informer to discuss the state of Black business. The panel discussion, moderated by WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, featured chamber leaders from D.C., Charles County, Prince George's County, Greater Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia Black chambers of commerce. The event, which included an exhibition highlighting 60 years of Washington Informer photography, emphasized challenges facing Black entrepreneurs including gatekeeping, dismantling of supportive systems, and the need for greater collaboration.

Who is affected

  • Black entrepreneurs and business owners in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area
  • Family legacy businesses in African American communities
  • Minority-owned companies seeking government contracts
  • Chamber of commerce members in D.C., Charles County, Prince George's County, and Northern Virginia
  • Small businesses in Montgomery County as mentioned by Council member Laurie-Ann Sayles

What action is being taken

  • The Washington Informer is hosting discussions about Black business as part of its 60th anniversary celebration
  • Chamber of commerce leaders are working to eliminate gatekeeping in contract access, particularly in Charles County
  • Chambers are coaching Black businesses to stay focused despite challenging political climates
  • Chamber leaders are encouraging businesses to partner with larger companies and embrace cybersecurity and tech fields
  • Leaders are promoting collaboration between Black businesses instead of working in silos

Why it matters

  • Systems designed to help Black entrepreneurs are reportedly being dismantled in the current political climate
  • Prince George's County has faced financial setbacks with the loss of the Washington Commanders stadium and FBI building relocation
  • Charles County, despite becoming the wealthiest Black majority county in 2022, still faces business sector gatekeeping that hampers Black businesses
  • Federal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) cuts are affecting African American entrepreneurs in the area and nationwide
  • The chambers represent a significant number of African American firms with potential for contracting opportunities

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer