Black Chamber of Orange County

06/20/2026

06/19/2026

When Congressman Derek Tran turned 18, he enlisted in the Army to give back to this country that provided him so much.

Here he is surrounded by local veterans and military families with Bobby McDonald.

06/19/2026

What an experience joining US Bank employees, So Cal Black Heritage BRG, and guests as they celebrate Juneteenth Liberation Day at the Gene Autry Museum of the American West delicious fresh tasty fried shrimp and catfish in corn meal with hush puppies, mac n cheese, soul music, and guest dressed in Western outfits. It was a jubilant celebration embracing the true meaning of Juneteenth Liberation Day. Randy from the Compton Cowboys and Bobby McDonald, CEO and President of the Black Chamber of OC provided a history of Juneteenth and the Buffalo Soldiers. One of the organizers is Davina Samuels with US Bank and Chair of the Black Chamber Board of Directors.

The Autry Museum of the American West brings together the stories of all peoples of the American West, connecting the past with the present to inspire our shared future. The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

It is unique that the Black Employees of US Bank hold an annual Juneteenth Celebration that promotes the history and contributions of African Americans with Liberation Day.
U.S. Bank partners with organizations like the OC Black Chamber of Commerce to host Juneteenth events at the Autry Museum of the American West. These annual gatherings celebrate the legacy of Black cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers, featuring community networking, historical exhibits, and cultural programming. This event honors the contributions and history of Black rodeo ranchers, cowboys, and soldiers.

This event was very multicultural that includes our history and stories in the American West.
Thanks to US Bank: Black Heritage Resource Group (BRG), Curtis Flannigan Co President, Crystal Gallegos Co President, Davina Samuel Event Coordinator, Ta'Tiana Williams Communications Coordinator, & Moderator, Bree Camerawimsn, Jeff Taylor Executive Sponsor, and Malgy Blue L.A. Market President.

06/19/2026

Our community partner, 100 Black Men of Orange County, is proud to present its second annual Black History Summer Zoom Camp. This engaging six-session virtual program is designed to educate, inspire, and empower our youth through an exploration of the rich history, contributions, and impact of African Americans.

Whether you, your son or daughter is new to Black history or eager to deepen their understanding, this free camp offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about important historical events, influential leaders, and the lasting contributions of Black Americans. While the camp is designed primarily for students in grades 6–12, we welcome learners of all ages who are interested in expanding their knowledge of African American history and culture.

The camp is free, but registration is required. To register please email Greg Hogan: [email protected]

06/18/2026

The Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County is empowering local youth by connecting them with the rich history and entrepreneurial legacy of Black pioneers.

Through mentorship and educational initiatives, the Chamber transforms history into a blueprint for future success.The story of Black resilience, innovation, and economic achievement is not just in the past—it is the very foundation of tomorrow.

The Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County understands that to build a thriving, prosperous future, we must ignite the spark in our youth.By actively involving the next generation in our history, the Chamber ensures that the profound contributions of African American pioneers—from the business trailblazers to the cultural icons—are not forgotten.

Through dedicated educational programs like the Black Chamber Education Fund, they are giving young people the tools, mentorship, and confidence to write their own chapters.When we promote our stories to new generations, we are doing more than reflecting on the past; we are passing the torch. We are giving our youth the courage to shatter glass ceilings, the inspiration to launch their own enterprises, and the unshakable knowledge that they are standing on the shoulders of giants.

Every story of resilience told and every young leader mentored builds a legacy of excellence that will resonate throughout Orange County for decades to come.

Would you like to explore how to get involved or volunteer with the Black Chamber's youth mentorship and scholarship programs? Join the Black Chamber.

06/18/2026

Juneteenth moment: Through music, we have songs of freedom, liberation, and joy. The Black Chamber believes our history, stories, resilience, creating our own economic opportunity and fight for justice and equality unites and move us forward.
https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2026/06/17/freedom-deferred-freedom-declared-freedom-demanded-juneteenth-playlist?fbclid=IwdGRjcAShHDljbGNrBKEcJ2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHsH0xtrVfkpkhVYhwmMpSHjDQEWLBctcfGqnF0Hg2PAjI2u-L6CCs1vCxMj8_aem_uL2tE13Yi901wmIcgt39dg

On a day of commemoration, African American music is a living record of struggle and survival.

06/16/2026

The Black Chamber have always celebrated and will continue to celebrate the leadership roles our Black women hold in the community because of who they are and their accomplishments. They hold leadership positions in our organization. They hold positions at work, in the community, and within their church. We embrace them as we find them.

Michelle Obama is the Princeton and Harvard-educated lawyer who spent eight years in the White House, and didn't stop there. She wrote a memoir that sold millions of copies. She built programs focused on girls' education and youth health. She has shown up, consistently, for communities that are often talked about but rarely invested in.

She is articulate and accomplished. There are no scandals.

Any attempt to diminish her character or deny who she is won't change the facts. Those baseless efforts say far more about the people seeking attention than they do about her. The focus belongs on her unwavering commitment to service and the powerful impact she continues to have on generations around the world.

📷: Miller Mobley

06/16/2026

Let your youth network know.