U.S. Black Chambers National Conference and Gala celebrates Black businesses
By Patricia McDougall
On Friday, July 19, The U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) held its 15th Anniversary Celebration at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. The Gala started with a live performance by the Bowie State Concert Choir, followed by the neo soul duo, Kindred the Family Soul.
USBC is committed to uplifting and supporting Black businesses that are doing great things in the community. Each year the USBC shows their support by giving out several awards. The 2024 Advocate of the Year award was given to Rev.Al Sharpton during the conference portion of the event, which was held in the days leading up to the Gala.
The USBC annual conference, which was held July 17-20, was the talk of the town with key speakers such as Gov. Wes Moore, Stacey
Abrams, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Former Mayor of Sacramento and NBA Legend Kevin Johnson, Secretary Gina Raimondo, Maisha Dellinger,
founder and CEO of CURLS and Huzzy Smart Sips and Alexis McGill Johnson
Some of the major
sponsors included American Airlines,
Ron Busby Sr., president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers (USBC), speaks to the attendees gathered for the 2024 gala.
Awardee Gary Guidry, CEO at G-Squared Events Holdings and Black Promoters Collective, shows off his award.
Tomeeka Morris (left), wife of Stevie Wonder, enjoys the U.S. Black Chambers 15th Annual Celebration with Iyawnanna Milliner.
Kindred the Family Soul members Fatin Dantzler (left) and Aja Graydon perform live at the USBC Gala.
Myles Caggins III, Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Dr. Denise Mitchems and Enrique Young share a moment at the conference.
Founder and CEO of Meta Agency Howard Jean (left), and Kevin Vaughan together at the conference.
Above: Charlie O’Neal (left), Alisa Joseph, Awardee Antwanye Ford and President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers (USBC), Ron Busby, Sr.
Nate Gatten, chief government affairs officer American Airlines, shares sentiments at the USBC podium. American Airlines served as one of the key sponsors.
Dominique Carter, Ph.D., and vice president for food and nutrition affairs on the U.S. Black Chambers Gala red carpet.
Nikki Weekly (left), Shona Bell and Carylee Carrington attend the USBC Chambers Gala.
to name a few.
Amazon, Google, Wells Fargo, AT&T, JPMorgan Chase and Co., Walmart and more.
AFRO Photos/Patricia McDougall
Baltimore Washington One Carnival highlights Caribbean culture for 44th year
By James Fields Special to the AFRO
The parade of the Baltimore Washington One Carnival, a Caribbean festival, was held at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore on July 13. The parade was just one of the offerings included in the three-day festival. The parade began at Park Circle, a neighborhood bordering the park, and then made its way to Druid Hill Park. Mayor Brandon Scott led the procession of bands, dancers and other participants in costume. Vendors lined the streets in tents with native flags, art and food as loudspeakers played soca, calypso and reggae, which are all popular types of Caribbean music. Winding their way through the park, performers from all across the Caribbean displayed their cultural pride for the crowd.
The carnival was organized by the Caribbean American Carnival Association of Baltimore and the D.C. Caribbean Carnival Committee, marking the festival’s 44th year of highlighting Caribbean heritage. This festival aims not only to introduce non-Caribbean people to Caribbean culture, but also to allow Caribbean individuals to feel welcome and celebrated in Baltimore. The festivities attract thousands of attendees each year, and 2024 proved to be no exception.
Resonate becomes Baltimore’s newest creative hub
By Dorothy Boulware AFRO Special Projects Editor
An inspiration station, Resonate Baltimore, recently opened in Parkville, Md. The venue is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including spaces for music lessons, podcast recording, video production and event rentals. This versatile venue, located at 1713 Amuskai Road, is poised to become a cornerstone for artists, creators and professionals in the Baltimore area.
“Our goal is to provide a supportive and innovative space where the creative community can thrive. We look forward to building lasting relationships and inspiring countless creative projects,” said owners Trevor and Melissa Chin. The Chins also have experience leading other ventures — Melissa with Melissa T Music Lessons and Trevor with T.Chin Solutions — equipping them with the ability to make their vision of Resonate Baltimore come to life.
AFRO Photo / James Fields
Mayor Brandon Scott, a co-sponsor of the festival, leads the Baltimore Washington One Carnival parade on July 13.
Masquerade band member Angela Salvino (left) and Marcia Bennett dance to the music. This year’s Caribbean Carnival featured 25 masquerade bands.
Candice George, owner of Imprint Me Fashions Boutique, shows off one of her own Carnival designs.
Miranda Jones (left), Shannon Grey and Charles Rymer show pride for the U.S. Virgin Islands while encouraging parade participants.
Lakshniee Gosine represents Trinidad and Tobago at the 44th edition of the Baltimore Washington One Carnival.
Attendees indulge in Caribbean food, crafts and music while at the festival.
Shirley and Donald Curtis attend the opening on Saturday, July 13 to show support for the economic growth of local community members.
Dr. Derren Thompson (left), Melissa Chin, Trevor Chin and Dr. Toni Boulware Stackhouse look on as the Chins cut the ribbon on their new family venture.
Cameron “Cam Sounds” Sterrett, of the Cam Sounds Trio, provides live entertainment for the grand opening.
Owner Melissa Chin stands with Tobi Olanyi, an investing associate from Innovation Works Baltimore, in the 2,130 square foot space that aims to serve as a safe space for musicians of all levels of ability to practice their craft.