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SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Omnitrans is increasing service frequency on eight of its bus routes, bringing back its popular Route 290 Freeway Express route, and expanding OmniRide microtransit service in its largest service increase since 2019.

“We are so pleased to offer more convenient service and faster travel options for our community, which has stood with us through the challenges of the past few years,” said CEO/General Manager Erin Rogers.

The service change will bring Omnitrans to 99 percent of planned service for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting workforce shortages impacted all industries, including transit.

In addition to 15-minute service frequency on Routes 3, 4, 14, 61, and sbX Rapid Transit, 30-minute service will return to Routes 15, 19, and 85. Route 290 limited-stop Freeway Express service between San Bernardino and Montclair is back after a four-year hiatus, and service hours on OmniRide Bloomington, an on-demand route similar to Uber or Lyft, will expand to 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday – Saturday.

The agency’s ridership increased by 10 percent last year, and Omnitrans is confident that additional service frequency and span on a variety of service types – express, regular fixed route, and microtransit – will continue to attract community members to its safe, reliable, economical and more convenient transit options.

For details on Omnitrans service changes, click here. For information on all Omnitrans services, visit omnitrans.org.

The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said the Rev. George Lamb, chair of the Equity Element Group.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group (SBC Equity Element Group) is a dynamic force for positive change in San Bernardino County. It is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly people of color.

The SBC Equity Element Group was created shortly after the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The resolution tasked the County Administrative Office with forming an equity group to represent the 11th element of the Countywide Vision.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said SBC Equity Element Group chair Rev. George Lamb.

“The SBC Equity Element Group is charged with determining where there may be racial disparities among our residents in the county, recommend campaigns and programs to address those issues, and identify initiatives that are already underway within County government or in the community that can be highlighted and supported,” explained San Bernardino County Administrative Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander.

In 2020, the inaugural SBC Equity Element Group was comprised of Black community leaders.

A Collaborative Approach to Equity

The Equity Element Group’s founding members were inspiring leaders from various community organizations handpicked by the County Board of Supervisors. This group was dedicated to breaking down barriers and championing inclusivity. Among its members were:

• Jordan Brown – Black Voice News
• Keynasia Buffong – National Black Grads
• Pastor Samuel Casey – Churches Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)
• Willie Ellison – Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce
• George Lamb – Faith Advisory Council for Community Transformation (F.A.C.C.T.)
• Tammy Martin-Ryles – Black Chamber of Commerce
• Tremaine Mitchell – Youth Action Project
• Phyllis K. Morris-Green – Reimagining Our Communities (ROC)
• Bishop Kelvin Simmons – Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches (IECAAC)
• The late Deborah Smith-Gilbert was a highly esteemed member of the IE National Council of Negro Women. (IENCNW). Her contributions to the Equity Element Group and the community will forever resonate in our memories and be treasured deeply.
• Terrance Stone – Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy
• Bill Thomas – NAACP, High Desert Branch
• Dina Walker – BLU Educational Foundation
• Our departed colleague Reggie Webb was a valued member of the Cooperative Economic Empowerment Movement (CEEM) and the Westside Action Group (WAG). His contributions to Equity Element Group and the community will always be remembered and cherished.
• Keith Willis – 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire
• Chache Wright – NAACP

“In 2024, the SBC Equity Element Group transformed due to changes in its membership. We are proud to introduce the steering committee,” said Rev. Lamb.  “Additional members are being added and will be announced at the end of February.”

Steering Committee Members Are:

• George Lamb – Faith Advisory Council for Community Transformation (F.A.C.C.T.)Committee Chair
• Bill Thomas – NAACP High Desert Branch
• Dina Walker – BLU Educational Foundation
• Pastor Samuel Casey – Churches Organized for Prophetic Engagement (COPE)
• Phyllis Morris-Green – Reimagining Our Communities
• Terrance Stone – Young Visionaries
• Tremaine Mitchell – Youth Action

Representing San Bernardino County as Collaborative Partners Are

• Assistant Executive Officer Diana Alexander
• Deputy Executive Officer Gilbert Ramos
• Executive Administrative Assistant, Sandra Abarca
• Executive Administrative Analyst, Erica Banks

Consultants

• Theodore B. Miller, Esq., a co-principal and co-founder, leads the engagement.

Communications and Public Information

• Carl M. Dameron, Creative Director Dameron Communications. An Inland Empire-based full-service advertising and public relations firm.

Key Accomplishments

The SBC Equity Element Group, in collaboration with the San Bernadino County Administrative office, has made significant strides in its mission to create a more equitable future for San Bernardino County:

Partnering with Equity and Results: retained the firm of Equity and Results, a multiracial, collectively led learning organization rooted in advancing racial equity and liberation through institutional change. The engagement is led by Theodore B. Miller, Esq., Co-Principal.

• Collaborating with the County Purchasing Department: working to increase contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the county’s procurement process.
• Advancing Equity and Inclusivity within County Departments: Collaborated with county departments to identify and correct any policies or practices that have created or could create barriers to achieving equity.
• Contributing to the Countywide Vision: Representatives from the SBC Equity Element Group joined the Countywide Vision leadership team to assist with developing initiatives that promote and help fulfill the countywide vision.
• Launching a New Interactive Website: The group is excited to announce the launch of its new website in the first quarter of 2025. The website will provide a platform for community engagement, job opportunities, and business development.

A Brighter Future

“The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group is committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive San Bernardino County. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and driving systemic change, the group is shaping a brighter future for all,” said Rev. Lamb.

He continued, “The SBC Equity Element Group has developed a logo and slogan to emphasize that “Equity Elevates Everyone.” The Group’s initial efforts focused on enhancing equity for the Black community, and as we move forward, our work will encompass all people of color; the results will benefit everyone.”

For example, although initially perceived as a remedy for racial discrimination against Blacks, the provisions of the 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on sex and race in employment practices, public accommodations, and federally funded programs. Furthermore, it bolstered voting rights enforcement and facilitated the desegregation of educational institutions. These hard-won rights not only helped Blacks be more successful, but they significantly advanced all women, Latinos, Asians, and individuals of color.

About The San Bernardino County Equity Element Group

The SBC Equity Element Group’s mission is to identify and address systemic inequities within San Bernardino County. It focuses on creating a more just and equitable society for all residents, particularly Black residents and people of color. The Group strives to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities through data-driven strategies and community-centered solutions.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — San Bernardino County is pleased to announce the election of Josie Gonzales as the new Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, effective January 6th, 2025. With her extensive background in public service and community leadership, Gonzales is poised to bring innovation, integrity, and dedication to her new role.

Gonzales brings a wealth of experience in local government, having worked in various capacities to support San Bernardino County residents. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring transparency, improving access to services, and supporting the needs of residents. Her leadership will be pivotal as the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office continues its important work in maintaining accurate property records and ensuring fair and equitable assessments for all residents.

“I am truly honored to serve as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk for our community,” said Josie Gonzales. “I look forward to working with my dedicated team to continue enhancing the services we provide, improving transparency, and ensuring that all residents are treated with fairness and respect.”

As Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk, Gonzales will oversee the valuation of property, the maintenance of property records, and the facilitation of vital services such as document recording, birth, death, and marriage certificates, and more. Her vision for the office is focused on modernizing processes, making services more accessible to the public, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Josie Gonzales takes office following a successful election in November 2024. She is committed to building on the office’s legacy of excellence and ensuring that all residents benefit from fair and equitable services.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chris Wilhite for his professional leadership and service as Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk,” said incoming Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales. “His dedication to the office and the community during this time of transition has been invaluable.”

Chris Wilhite was appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on December 6, 2022, to a special two-year term following the unexpected passing of Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Bob Dutton.

For more information about the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk’s office, please visit arc.sbcounty.gov.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

In 2012, Assemblymember Chris Holden was first elected to the California State Assembly representing the 41st District in the San Gabriel Valley.

He was re-elected to that position for the following four terms.

While in office, Holden championed efforts to improve education outcomes for students and advocated for social and racial justice. Legislation he wrote or sponsored also focused on, innovation in transportation, protecting developmental disability service providers and improving public health, more broadly.

Holden, a graduate of San Diego State University, lives in Pasadena with his wife, Melanie, and children Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah and Noah. Holden is the son of former State Senator and LA City Councilmember Nate Holden.

Before he closed out his final year of service in the Assembly, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Holden. He reflected on his accomplishments this year and his goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

I’m really blessed to be at a particular point right now where I can say that a project I’ve been working on for well over 36 years — the light rail system — made its way into Pasadena from downtown LA. Now it’s making its way through the San Gabriel Valley to Pomona.

We didn’t have the money to complete it through from Pomona through Claremont to Montclair. We were able to get the money in this year’s budget. I’m glad that I was able to be a part of the Legislature at that time, to be able to do the hard work to put those resources into place, along with my colleagues.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I’m the first African American to be elected to the legislature from the San Gabriel Valley, representing the 41st Assembly District, where African Americans make up about 7% of the population.

For me to have an opportunity to represent a multi-ethnic and diverse district is exciting, but to be able to bring a voice for a lived African American experience from the San Gabriel valley is very important.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

I still am frustrated that we aren’t seeing the kind of progress on affordable housing to allow underrepresented communities to be able to afford to live in the community that they grew up in. California has become so expensive and finding the techniques and the ability to create affordability and more housing is a struggle.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

There has been a lot of movement around reparations through community engagement. Dr. Shirley Weber put forth the bill to establish a reparations task force and that task force met for a number of years. Two members of our caucus served on it, Sen. Steven Bradford and Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer. A thousand-page report and a hundred recommendations or more came out of that. And now we’re in the process of finding ways to implement some of those recommendations. It’s going to be a longer process, but I’m hopeful because California, once again, is on the front end of taking on a really challenging issue.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Always be mindful how quickly the winds can change. We’ve gone from 10 years of having budget surpluses to this year having a $45 billion deficit. Being able to go from having resources that you can put in a budget to address some of the community’s needs to this year — not having the ability to do as much of that. We must always be mindful of the fact that in public policy, you have to be mindful of how to prepare for times that may not be as fruitful.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Inequality.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Well, I won’t be in the legislature in 2025, but I love public policy. I’d like to find myself in a position where I’m continuing to have an influence on how public policy is shaped and formed. Term limits have a way of weeding out a lot of institutional knowledge. And so, I’d like to be in a position where priorities I stood for don’t get lost in the public discourse in terms of helping to shape some of the things. I would have loved to have been able to continue on as a legislator, if I had more time on the board. But I’m just looking forward to being a vital voice going into next year in a different role. It will also be an opportunity to lay a foundation to take another run, possibly for a seat on the LA County Board of Supervisors in 2028.

By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Shay Franco-Clausen is Political Director for Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

A resident of the Bay Area, Franco-Clausen is an award-winning public advocate, speaker, political strategist and former elected official. She has contributed her thought leadership to drafting seventeen pieces of legislation in California. Notable among these accomplishments is her role in extending the statute of limitations for felony domestic violence survivors, advocating for the rights of foster youth, preserving endangered open spaces, and championing the restoration of voting rights for individuals on parole.

Shay has spent the last 14 years serving on many local, county and state boards, political action committees and commissions, centered on criminal justice, LGBTQ and reproductive rights, gender-based violence and environmental protections.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Franco-Clausen about her successes, frustrations and future plans heading into 2025.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

In the role that I sit in as the political director for Equality California, we endorsed 216 candidates. I think the one achievement after this election that I’m proud of is that we overturned Prop 8 to protect same-sex marriages here because they’re about to attack our rights on the federal level, come 2025.

I’m glad at least we changed our California constitution to reflect and protect my marriage.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I contribute through my lived experience. I may have achieved a lot, but I come from those same communities that are marginalized, East Oakland, East San Jose, Watts. It gives me a different perspective. I am a formerly incarcerated youth who was in foster care. I think I contribute that bit of understanding, and I operate from an equity lens. I’m willing to push people to make them recognize that hey, you cannot forget about Black people. We are the most marginalized.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

What frustrates me is our inability to recognize that we forget people. I was tapped to work on the Harris campaign from Equality California. And through that, being at that table, I was frustrated that they weren’t listening to Americans and not looking at the data.

The reason Trump won is because he had consistent messaging, and we didn’t debunk it. I think I’m more frustrated that we don’t fully listen to people all the time when they’re critiquing us.

So, I’m frustrated that people at the top don’t always know what’s happening to people at the bottom and their messaging doesn’t reflect our issues.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

All those people that came out to support Kamala Harris. I was really proud that people came out. I was pretty proud that my son voted for the first time for a Black woman for President.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Be fearless. Sometimes I second-guess myself. I push back, but I could push more because I’m qualified. I have the education, I have the experience, and I know what I’m talking about in all the rooms that I go in. And I must be confident in that.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Prioritization.

We’re still not seen as a priority, but everyone likes to add us to their talking points. Even though we have Black people in office, it doesn’t matter if we are not part of the budget. A budget is a statement of our values. If we’re not a part of the budget, but we’re a part of the talking points, there’s something missing.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Writing a book. I think it’s important for us to tell our stories, not let other people tell them. And as I look forward to all the things that I’ve achieved, knowing where I came from, I think it’s important and powerful to tell those stories so other people can see themselves in not only the pain, but the power.

I am also kicking off my campaign for Hayward City Council.

Ubuntu Project Spotlights Artistic Expression as a Pathway to Community Healing

This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

VICTORVILLE, CA – On Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM, the Cultural Arts Center of the High Desert will come alive with the creativity and talent of High Desert youth at the 2025 Youth Art Collective Showcase. This free event, organized by the Ubuntu Project, aims to celebrate the power of artistic expression in fostering community healing, resilience, and unity.

The showcase will feature a diverse array of artistic mediums, including music, painting, drawing, fashion, and more. By centering the voices and talents of youth, the event seeks to inspire meaningful dialogue and promote healing through shared cultural experiences.

“We are excited to provide a platform for our youth to express themselves and connect with their community,” says Nichole Williams-Artry, Program Coordinator for the Ubuntu Project. “This showcase is about celebrating the spirit of ‘I Am Because We Are,’ where we recognize our shared humanity and collective strength.”

The Ubuntu Project, funded by the California Department of Social Services, is a Stop the Hate grantee program committed to aiding victims and families affected by hate crimes. Through healing circles, art initiatives, and leadership development, the project works to promote resilience and social-emotional wellness in the High Desert’s African American community.

This historic initiative, named after the African proverb “I am because we are,” represents the first state allocation of funding dedicated to addressing hate and its consequences.

The event is free to attend with RSVP and welcomes families, community members, and art enthusiasts. Youth artists under 18 who attend school in the High Desert are encouraged to submit their art for consideration, provided it aligns with content guidelines.

How to Participate:

• As a Service Recipient: Youth can submit their art or participate in workshops leading up to the event.
• As a Volunteer: Community members can support the event by assisting with logistics, mentoring youth, or helping with outreach efforts.

For more information, submissions, or to RSVP, contact Nichole Williams-Artry at 760-229-6175 or email NWilliams-Artry@healthcollaborative.org. Follow the Ubuntu Project on Instagram and Facebook @Ubuntuprojectchc for updates and details.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

Grammy Award winning singer and record label executive, Jay King, was elected CEO/President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) in June of 2019.

The CBCC is the largest African American non-profit business organization, representing thousands of small and emerging businesses, affiliates and chambers of commerce throughout California.

King is also a member of the popular 1980s R&B group Club Nouveau. In his role as an artist and activist, he has stood up for issues affecting underrepresented Californians for over three decades.

As the President of the CBCC, King says he is determined to put his mark on developing and expanding the capacity of African American businessmen and women.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with King recently. He reflected on the Chamber’s accomplishments, disappointments, lessons learned this year and goals moving forward.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement and why? 

Making the voice of micro and mini-micro businesses loud, forcing policymakers and other decision makers across the state to start paying attention to them. With legislation in place now — AB 1574 and AB 2019 – that mandates that the state and agencies affiliated with the state extend opportunities to micro and mini business owners and give them a chance to participate in government contracting in a real way.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

I really want to contribute to the world and the state of Black businesses because of the systemic inequities in the past.

Small business, micro businesses and mini businesses are too often overlooked.

I think it would be egotistical to believe that I make any significant impact on my own. Whether it’ s the Asian Chamber, Hispanic Chamber and other organizations that are fighting the same fight. I think it’ s a collective, so I’ m proud to be part of the collective.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

We say we want to give access to capital to small businesses, and yet we continue to create barriers that deny them access to capital.

And even if we get them access to capital, we don’ t create pathways for that success — whether it’ s through education or resources, or through language – providing support in a language that they understand because, maybe, they’ re from another country Or, we don’t even provide cultural-specific resources for people who are from this country.

We ignore and negate the systemic racism, bigotry, prejudice, and bias that African American and other ethnic businesspeople and communities have experienced.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

Watching some of the small business owners that we worked with — these micro businesses — and seeing the potential and the power that is in front of us. If we equip them the right way, if we train them the right way, if we develop them the right way, they can not only flourish, but they can scale and start hiring people in their communities.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

We have to fight for Black businessowners, but they also have to be prepared. Just because we want to push them through, because we want them to have a contract, we have to be very careful about who we get in the game, and make sure that they’ re ready. Because if they’ re not, it affects us all down the line.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Self-belief. I think we have been conditioned on victimization and victimhood. We think that if we don’ t get the help we need that we will falter.

We must have real belief that we have made it this far despite every barrier, every obstacle, every disillusionment that has ever come our way. And we are still standing.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

I want to change the trajectory of micro and mini business owners.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) is a group of educational leaders from across the state. The organization is committed to identifying critical issues in public education related to the performance of African American students and addressing them through education reform initiatives.

Its membership includes school superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors, and administrators. CAAASA has a long-standing history of hosting institutes, meetings, conferences, and various special events focused on education.

Serving as an informational resource to the California Department of Education (CDE), CAAASA makes recommendations on several of the department’s priorities, including curriculum and instruction, staff development, parent involvement, funding, and gender specific issues.

CAAASA has submitted testimony to the Speaker of the Assembly aimed at improving the status of African American males relative to their over-representation in the penal system and underrepresentation in the nation’s colleges and universities.

?Additionally, CAAASA has worked in partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) to sponsor events and programs that have been successful in addressing the needs of African American students.

This year, the organization sponsored a statewide conference in Sacramento titled, “Education is a Civil Right.”

Recently, California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Dr. Adam Clark, the President of CAAASA, about the organization’s successes, disappointments, lessons learned and future plans heading into the new year.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

What was your most important achievement in 2024 and why?

The most important achievement was organizing our statewide professional development summit to mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. We focused on research and strategies to improve education for African American and other students of color. Afterward, we partnered with the National Coalition of Educational Equity to host a convening in Washington D.C., continuing our efforts to drive progress.

How did your leadership and investments improve the lives of Black Californians?

We launched two new Leadership Academies for aspiring administrators and superintendents. These programs help build a pipeline of future administrators committed to improving education for all students, especially students of color. By focusing on closing opportunity gaps, we’re ensuring Black Californians have the support and resources they need to succeed in the education system.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

The ongoing inequities Black students face are the most frustrating. Despite our progress, challenges still exist. 

What inspired you the most over the last year?

I was inspired by the collaboration and energy at our national conference in Washington D.C., where leaders from across the country united to focus on educational equity. Seeing so many passionate advocates gave me hope that real, lasting change is possible when we work together.

What lesson did you learn in 2024 that will guide your decisions next year?

I learned the importance of collective action. Building coalitions of educators, lawmakers, and civil rights leaders is essential to addressing the root causes of inequity in our schools.

CBM: What is the biggest challenge Black Californians face in one word?

Inequity. 

CBM: What is your main goal for 2025?

My main goal is to speed up the implementation of evidence-based strategies that improve Black student achievement. Through partnerships, policy work, and professional development, I want to ensure our schools are equipped to meet the needs of Black students and help every learner succeed.

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media

The California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) is the largest statewide African American business association.

Its mission is to drive economic opportunity and wealth creation for African American businesses and connect and harness the collective strength of their statewide network of member organizations to advocate and protect common interests.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with CAACC Chairman Patricia Watts on this year’s successes, disappointments and plans heading into 2025

Looking back at 2024, what stands out as your most important achievement and why? 

The CAACC proudly played a pivotal role in the State of California African American Economy Summit, one of our signature events for 2024. This summit is designed to strengthen Black economic influence through education and fellowship, bringing together the state’s most influential Black business leaders, policymakers, and economic thinkers. Our discussions covered critical economic topics relevant to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity.

Through our educational and advocacy programs, we aim to promote equitable public policies that expand access and broaden the landscape of economic opportunities for the African American community. By leveraging these powerful networks, CAACC is committed to bolstering Black business success and strengthening our communities.

How did your leadership and investments contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Our leadership and investments have been centered on empowering African American Californians by providing consistent support, resources, and connections that address their economic needs. Through our ongoing programs, we deliver relevant information on critical economic issues and policies, as well as technical assistance that helps businesses navigate the complexities of today’s marketplace.

We also partner with our corporate members and sponsors to design customized programming that aligns with their needs while promoting economic growth within the African American community. By fostering these collaborations, we ensure that our network of African American businesses has access to valuable opportunities and resources, creating pathways to success.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

One of the biggest challenges has been balancing our ambitious goals with the need to deliver consistent, relevant programming. We have big ideas and turning them into reality requires diligent effort and coordination among various stakeholders.

Additionally, fostering and maintaining strong relationships with business organizations, as well as state and local municipalities, is an ongoing task that requires significant time and resources. Our focus has always been supporting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and small businesses and ensuring that our programs meet their evolving needs while expanding our reach.

Despite these frustrations, we remain committed to our mission and are constantly learning and adapting to improve the support we provide to our community.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

Over the past year, one of the most inspiring developments has been the formation of a tri-ethnic partnership between the CAAAC, the Cal Asian Chamber, and the Cal Hispanic Chamber. This collaboration represents a united effort to drive positive change and growth for diverse businesses across our communities.

A key highlight of this partnership has been the Annual California Diversity Awards, where we come together to recognize and celebrate individuals and corporations that actively support and champion the growth of diverse enterprises. It’s a powerful reminder of the collective strength and resilience within our communities.

Moreover, our partnership extends to advocacy, where we have come together to sponsor legislative bills, including AB 2019. These initiatives reflect our shared commitment to creating equitable opportunities and promoting economic empowerment for minority business enterprises throughout California. Seeing these efforts come to life has been a truly inspiring and rewarding experience.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

One key lesson we learned in 2024 is the importance of aligning our efforts with the specific strategic initiatives of our corporate members when it comes to supporting the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) community. Each of our partners has unique goals, and by tailoring our programs to meet these needs, we can more effectively drive mutual success.

Our ultimate goal is to help MBEs become contract-ready through targeted training and professional development. This approach not only ensures that MBEs are prepared to take advantage of opportunities but also aligns with the broader objectives of our corporate partners. We’ve seen that our ethnic business communities are eager for opportunities in wealth creation, access to informed legislative policies, and other critical areas that impact their growth. This lesson will guide us in continuing to develop customized, impactful programs that bridge the gap between MBEs and sustainable business success in the coming year.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Stability.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025? 

Our primary goal for 2025 is to drive growth in the number of new African American businesses, increase the volume of contracts awarded to these enterprises, and strengthen connections with the State of California. By expanding our network and fostering strategic partnerships, we aim to create more opportunities for African American businesses to thrive and secure sustainable growth.