OUR CHAMBER IS
BLACK HISTORY
Black-owned businesses have long played a pivotal role in the social and economic fabric of America. During the Civil Rights Movement, these businesses were not just centers of commerce but were crucial in supporting the fight for equality and justice. Many Black-owned businesses provided financial support to civil rights organizations, helping fund activities such as protests, sit-ins, and legal battles. These businesses offered jobs to African American individuals at a time when discrimination limited their employment opportunities elsewhere, helping to sustain families and communities.
Chamber History
Following the historic March for Justice in June 2020, organized by Victoria Jones' nonprofit Forever Our Home, Jones established the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. on June 19, 2020. Amber Baker, from her previous nonprofit, was appointed as the Chamber's Vice President. The Chamber's inaugural board of directors meeting took place in August 2020 and was attended by a diverse group of leaders from Brevard County.
In its first year, the Chamber focused on building its legal framework, which resulted in modest growth. The subsequent year saw the launch of its signature Back to Business Networking event. Additionally, the Chamber President introduced the Launching Black Excellence Awards to celebrate outstanding small black-owned businesses in Brevard and distinguished local figures. The inaugural awards gala was held in August 2022.
The Chamber's second year featured a partnership with Spectrum, providing free commercials on News 13 for five black-owned businesses on the Space Coast. In 2023, the Chamber facilitated the first delegation of black leaders to represent Brevard's black-owned businesses at the Black Chamber Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Florida Association of Black Chambers of Commerce.
Early in 2023, the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce, enhancing collaboration between these organizations. Chamber President Victoria Jones engaged in discussions with the newly established Office of Cybersecurity under the Trump-Pence administration, following an invitation to collaborate from the U.S. Chambers in 2023.
Later, the Chamber organized its inaugural legislative conference, "State of the Coast," in June 2023 at the Eastern Florida State College Student Union Hall in Melbourne.