Regarding Black people and business, Texas is the place to be on paper. The state not only has more Black people than any other state in the nation, but Texas has led the nation in the rate of business formation among Black women for nearly two decades.
Moreover, the Lone Star State is home to over 404,000 Black-owned businesses, second only to Florida’s 460,000.
However, according to Charles O’Neal, president of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC), Blacks in Texas are getting a raw deal when it comes to state support.
“Texas’ Black population is 15%, yet receives only 1% of the state spending,” said O’Neal. “That’s criminal. It’s taxation without representation.”
That’s one reason the TAAACC’s 36th Annual Conference, being held in Houston Sept. 18 -20 at the Sugarland Marriott Town Center (16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479), is so important.
This year’s conference theme is “Pro DEI.”
“Not only are we pro-DEI… we’re doing everything intentionally. That is our DEI. We’re purposefully trying to reverse spin on all that crap that was talked in Austin that manifested in legislation; real legislation on the books that is targeted against the very people that we work for on a daily basis. So, yes, we are pro-DEI, doing everything intentionally to reverse the legislative impacts on Black business,” shared O’Neal, who is also board chairman of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
But for now, O’Neal and his team are laser-focused on Texas.
Larry Hall, president of the Greater Southwest Black Chamber of Commerce, says the conference will provide valuable networking opportunities, educational sessions, and access to industry experts.
“It’s a great way to connect to other businesses, learn new strategies and stay updated on the latest trends in the market,” said Hall. “Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and make valuable connections.”
Marrin Ellis, owner of Divine Design Management Group, attended the TAAACC annual conference for the first time last year and came away raving.
“I meet some amazing people [including] a representative from US Black Chambers, and from there formed a connection that allowed me to showcase my business at a national level,” said Ellis. “Join the TAAACC and this year discover your next big opportunity.”
Conference Highlights
- Economist William Michael Cunningham will provide his annual “Texas Black Economic Forecast,” an analysis of business trends to identify opportunities for entrepreneurs to position their businesses accordingly.
- Meet financial institutions about accessing capital.
- Texas Legislative Black Caucus members will provide a legislative update spotlighting new state regulations that impact Black-owned businesses’ access to marketplace opportunities.
- The TAAACC’s partnership with the Texas Association of Black City Council Members and Texas Association of Black Mayors will be on display, underscoring the importance of a dynamic Black presence at the helm of municipal governments being reflected in tangible economic returns for Black-owned businesses regarding municipality spending of millions of our tax dollars.
- Representatives from state agencies will identify their practices that have either assisted or impeded opportunities for Black-owned businesses.
- TAAACC will offer attendees participation in its “Consult Corner” where TAAACC will engage business owners at whatever level they are. Legal experts, accountants SCORE business consultants, Service Corps and retired executives will offer their insights. Moreover, representatives from multiple financial institutions, the SBA, the Minority Business Development Agency and others will be on hand to talk to business owners one-on-one.
To register for the conference, visit https://taaacc.org/2024-taaacc-annual-conference/.
