On September 18, the energy at Gallery O on H Street NE carried the weight of history and the promise of the future. The Washington Informer (WI) brought together leaders from five area chambers of commerce for a timely conversation about the state of Black business in the D.C. region.
The evening combined two celebrations: a showcase of WI’s six decades of photojournalism and a forward-looking panel on entrepreneurship, titled “The Future of Business.” Moderated by WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, the program featured a powerhouse lineup of chamber executives and board chairs: Chinyere Hubbard, president and CEO of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce; Kathy Guzman, president and CEO of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce in Maryland; Courtney Edmonds, chair of the board of the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce; Corey Arnez Griffin, chair of the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce; and Tonya Poindexter, chair of the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.
Honoring Six Decades of Legacy
For Barnes, the evening represented more than just another panel. It was another opportunity to mark October 16, 1964, and WI’s 60th anniversary celebration, which began in March with a major photo exhibit and gala at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
“We wanted to honor family legacy businesses,” said Barnes, who has served as publisher for more than 31 years. “We start businesses not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of our families.”
Barnes reflected on the contributions of Black entrepreneurs who have built community wealth, often despite facing systemic barriers. The audience of more than 70, which included business owners, elected officials, and civic leaders, agreed with continuing that legacy.
Voices of Experience
Among the evening’s special guests was Marie Johns, former deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Barack Obama and a former president of Verizon Washington. Johns, who has known the Rolark family for decades, praised Barnes and her team.
Johns underscored the long struggle for opportunity, recalling her grandfather’s lawn care business in Indianapolis.
“He won state contracts at a time when that was unheard of for Black companies,” she said. “When I was at Verizon, we made sure we did business with minority companies. Now it is time for minority businesses to do business with each other.”
Her remarks served as both encouragement and a challenge, setting the tone for the evening’s deeper conversation.
Charles County: Breaking Barriers
When national outlets declared in 2022 that Charles County, Maryland, had become the wealthiest Black-majority county in the nation—overtaking neighboring Prince George’s—many saw it as a watershed moment. But Guzman, the first person of color to lead the Charles County Chamber, said systemic challenges remain.
“There is a history of gatekeeping in Charles County,” she said, referencing restricted access to contracts and capital. “At the chamber, I work to make sure there is no more gatekeeping and that anyone who is qualified has access to funding.”
Guzman stressed that leadership must go beyond titles. “Representation matters,” she said, “but results matter more.”
Northern Virginia: The Power of Collaboration
Across the Potomac, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber is growing in both membership and influence. Chair Tonya Poindexter said the key to future success lies in collaboration.
“I am proud to be here among elite chamber leaders,” she said. “We don’t need to work in silos. We can work together to expand contracting opportunities and strengthen the number of African American firms across our region.”
Her remarks reflected a common theme of the evening—that cross-jurisdictional partnerships are essential in a DMV economy where borders blur and businesses must navigate multiple layers of government.
Greater Washington: Staying the Course
Griffin of the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber cautioned that African American entrepreneurs are facing political headwinds.
“Systems designed to help Black entrepreneurs are being dismantled,” he said. “But I want Black businesses not to get discouraged. The money did not go anywhere; it just shifted. We are coaching Black businesses to stay focused and keep going.”
Griffin’s message was both sobering and practical: resilience and adaptability remain the hallmarks of entrepreneurial success.
Prince George’s County: A Time of Transition
Prince George’s County has long been seen as a hub for Black business, but recent years have brought setbacks. Edmonds, chair of the Prince George’s Chamber, pointed to two major blows—the loss of the Washington Commanders stadium project and the Trump administration’s cancellation of the planned FBI headquarters relocation.
“This is a very difficult time,” Edmonds said. “We are telling our chamber members not to lose hope and to consider local government instead of federal contracts.”
She noted that while federal opportunities may fluctuate, county and municipal governments remain primary sources of business, particularly for firms willing to adapt.
D.C.: Crisis as Opportunity
In the District, Hubbard of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce urged entrepreneurs to embrace innovation during times of uncertainty.
“Crisis breeds creativity,” she said. “Businesses should seek partnerships with large companies. Small businesses must also embrace cybersecurity, workforce transition, and the development of tech talent.”
Her message was clear: survival depends on adaptation, and adaptation requires foresight.
Montgomery County: A Voice of Representation
Although the Montgomery County Chamber was not represented, County Council member Laurie-Ann Sayles (D-At Large) made a point to attend. Sayles, the first Black woman elected countywide in Montgomery County, underscored the importance of visibility.
“I had to be here today,” she said. “Our businesses are vital to the economic health of this region.”
Looking Ahead
The evening closed on a note of both realism and optimism. While challenges—from DEI cuts to shifting federal priorities—are reshaping the business landscape, the region’s chamber leaders emphasized that unity, creativity, and persistence remain powerful tools for Black entrepreneurs.
For Barnes and The Washington Informer, the conversation was not just about marking an anniversary, but about charting the next 60 years.
Join the Washington Informer Family!
When my father, Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, founded this paper over 60 years ago, he envisioned more than just a newspaper—he dreamed of a platform to uplift our community with stories of triumph and resilience. His unwavering dedication to service shaped our mission, which remains steadfast: to serve, inform, and empower. Today, providing free, fact-based local journalism is more challenging than ever, but the need has only grown.
Your support is vital to sustaining this legacy.
Publisher Denise Rolark-Barnes
Source: Washington Informer
