Out & About: African-American Chamber of Commerce celebrates the season

Jamyra Perry TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Dec 17, 2019
Dec 17, 2019
0

1 of 7

The African-American Chamber of Commerce’s new President/CEO Donavan West, welcomes guests to its holiday party Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Rivers Casino. West took over as president and CEO in October. PHOTO: Kayla E. Brown/Tribune

Graphic artist Keisha Whatley of Custom Art Studio was on hand at the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE’s holiday party at Rivers Casino. She recently dedicated a mural in West Philadelphia to Stephen Smith. The mural highlights Smith’s life and legacy including his work as a businessman, philanthropist and abolitionist.

The Urban Guerilla Orchestra entertained the crowd at the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE’s holiday party. The band was recently announced as part of the 2020 Soul Train Cruise lineup. Other acts include The Jacksons, The Isley Brothers, Regina Belle and Atlantic Starr. — PHOTOs: Kayla E. Brown/Tribune

Dancer Jhelan Gordon-Salaam performs for the guests at the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE’s holiday party.

The African-American Chamber of Commerce’s board gathers onstage at its holiday party Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019.

Terri Booker and Nina Grier, founder and CEO of Historical Dream, attend the African-American Chamber of Commerce holiday party. Grier’s company produces wearable art on designer shirts, artisan jewelry, stationary and upholstered decor items.

African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE President/CEO Donavan West enjoys the holiday party with Tiffany Pittman and Omar Ingram.

The African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE held its annual holiday party Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Rivers Casino (formerly SugarHouse Casino).

The chamber is a membership organization that serves businesses in the public, private and independent sector who are committed to supporting the economic empowerment and growth of African-American businesses in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware.

According to numerous attendees, the event was different than in past years. Previous years included speakers, a timed network portion and dispensing awards.

The food was catered Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House and included a carving station, a build-your-own hot pasta bar, an antipasti table and hot doughnut sundae bar complete with hot caramelized donuts, cinnamon sauce, two sauces and D-I-Y ice cream toppings.

Businesses in the region that come under the chamber’s umbrella include those in media, computers, telecommunications, construction, government, education, restaurants, personal fitness and legal services to name a few.

From large international companies to small or micro businesses, the region’s African-American Chamber of Commerce’s directory has something for everyone and covers almost every need, service or industry.

Some of organization’s 315 listed members include Lyft, Drexel University, The Cheyney Foundation, Women Organized Against Rape, Beech Companies, Champion Dentistry and the new Cambria Hotel & Suites.