The California Black Chamber of Commerce

The California Black Chamber of Commerce represents the interest of over 50,000 African American Business owners throughout the State of California. Our primary mission is to serve as a bridge of opportunity for small business owners by linking them to business partners, both public and private. We also provide educational programming to our members so that they are prepared to take advantage of business opportunities in California’s evolving business market. Whether educating our members on the new and emerging jobs and contracting opportunities in California’s green economy or linking community partners together on workforce development opportunities in the technology industry, the California Black Chamber strives to equip our members with the knowledge and resources needed to compete in California’s ever changing marketplace.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce will be to educate young adults ages 18 to 25 about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through educational programs, role model and mentoring opportunities, and hands-on training. The target audience of the California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce are youth who reside in low-income communities throughout the state. A primary objective of the California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce is to decrease unemployment amongst African American males.

The Problem

The unemployment rate for African American’s continues to exceed the rate of employment for Hispanics and Whites. This number is even higher among African American men, which continues to increase each year. Unemployment in the African American community is one of the major factors that has contributed to economic and social problems which have became pervasive in many African American neighborhoods throughout California. The high rate of unemployment in the Black community, particularly amongst African American men is a threat to the Black family and has compromised neighborhoods and communities which experience the resulting effects such as economic and financial downturn, increased crime rates, and the other socials ills which flow from financial hardship.

Unless the problem of unemployment in the African American Community is addressed at an early age, the percentage of unemployment will continue to climb at an alarming rate. Unemployment not only adversely affects the individual and the family, but has devastating effects on an entire community, and ultimately, the economic health of the state. read more

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