TAAACC’s MISSION: To ensure that African American Business Owners receive a fair share of the economic prosperity of Texas. Serve as a catalyst for a better quality of life in African American communities throughout Texas. Support policies that allow African-Americans access to economic opportunities.
The Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC)
is one of the oldest Black business leagues in America. Our predecessor
organization, the Texas State Negro Chamber of Commerce, was established in
1936 to provide Black business owners the opportunity to participate in this
state’s dynamic economy. Denied opportunities for membership in local
chambers of commerce, a group of Black businessmen and women – led by the
Dallas Negro Chamber of Commerce and the Houston Negro Chamber of
Commerce – convened during the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition to begin
the work of establishing a network of Black chambers across the state. In 1988,
the Texas Association of Black Chambers of Commerce was officially formed to
further the work begun in 1936 and, in 1993, changed its name to the Texas
Association of African American Chambers of Commerce. Since inception,
TAAACC has continued to grow in size and influence and currently represents
more than 10,000 Black chamber members throughout the state and provides an
effective voice for 250,000+ Black businesses across Texas
From its founding, TAAACC has been a leading voice in the Black business
community. It is a non-profit organization that serves as a “think tank” for its
members, thereby strengthening, stimulating and providing positive advocacy,
while disseminating useful data that is beneficial to Black-owned businesses and
the communities they call home.
TAAACC has been a leading advocate promoting the development and
enhancement of local Black chambers of commerce, while supporting business
members in a wide range of industry sectors. TAAACC interacts directly with the
legislative, judicial and executive branches of government to influence public
policy. Our goal is to continue being an informational
2015 Photo of Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the current TAAACC leadership team (l-r, Past Chairman Jim Wyatt, President Charles O’Neal, and Chairman Christopher C. Herring)
Legislative Voice
One of our most important roles of the TAAACC is to actively participate in the legislative process on behalf of African-American Businesses. Therefore, in advance of each Texas Legislative Session, our legislative committee meets to finalize strategies and resolutions deemed most important to our constituents and the business community in general. Accordingly, TAAACC strives to identify issues that are most likely to affect the African-American business community and advocate on their behalf.
Day on the Hill & the Luncheon
During our Day on the Hill, our constituents and corporate members are provided with first-hand policy discussions on issues critical to their businesses. Afterwards, Black Business Day attendees are encouraged to formally meet with legislators’ one-on-one to strengthen relationships and further voice concerns about pending legislation.
Traditionally, TAAACC hosts an award’s luncheon to honor those legislators most supportive of our advocacy for Black-owned businesses throughout the State.
WHAT WE DO
- Educate African-American communities and businesses on the importance of starting and sustaining a business.
- Ensure that all member chambers are thoroughly informed about laws and regulations that could impact their businesses.
- Participate in the legislative process to ensure that African-American businesses are treated with equal opportunities and fairness.
- Work with state and corporate allies to openly embrace diversity and inclusion.
The Process
The TAAACC Board of Directors must approve the organizations Legislative Strategy before it can become an official objective of the organization. Upon approval, the strategy is released to key legislative officials who then distribute the information to the entire Texas Legislative Governing Body.
The Resolution Process
Throughout the year, TAAACC’s Board of Directors implements resolutions that are in the best interest of the organization and its members.