Monday, 22 June 2026 01:20 PM
Company Update
Events in Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson Bring Together Business and Civic Leaders to Advance Economic Opportunity and Cultural Engagement
PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / June 22, 2026 / The Black Chamber of Arizona concluded a week of Juneteenth programming held across Phoenix, Tempe, Tucson, and surrounding communities, featuring convenings, public events, and partnership activations focused on economic development, entrepreneurship, and cultural recognition.
Leadership and partners gather at the Juneteenth Vision Forward Convening in Phoenix.
In Tucson, the week officially kicked off on June 16 with the launch of a new partnership between the Black Chamber of Arizona and The Dunbar Pavilion, a historic cultural institution dedicated to preserving African American heritage. The partnership is designed to expand access to business resources, mentorship, and capital pathways for entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona. Representatives present included Executive Director Freda Marshall, Dr. Velma Trayham, and Chamber board members Tondra Richardson and Christine Abdulla.
"Juneteenth calls us to remember the past while building toward the future," said Dr. Velma Trayham, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. "This year's programming reflected the power of collaboration between culture, commerce, and community in advancing opportunity for entrepreneurs across Arizona."
On June 18, the Chamber hosted the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Vision Forward: Leadership & Economic Impact Convening in Phoenix, bringing together business leaders, public officials, and community stakeholders for discussions on economic inclusion and small business development.
Special keynote by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, with special guest in attendance Rob Taylor, Associate General Manager and Chief Public Affairs & Corporate Services Executive at SRP; and Tracy Lopes, Deputy Chief of Staff for Outreach and Engagement in the Office of Governor Katie Hobbs. The program was emceed by Daja Lee, founder of Finance Therapy Group.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego speaks at the Juneteenth Vision Forward convening.
During the convening, Chamber member businesses shared experiences on accessing contracting opportunities, capital, and technical assistance through Chamber programs. Dr. Trayham also highlighted data from the Selig Center for Economic Growth's Multicultural Economy report, noting the growth of Black buying power in Arizona from $6.6 billion in 2010 to $14.9 billion in 2021.
The event was sponsored by SRP, Cox, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, with catering provided by Mrs. Martha's Caribbean Kitchen, a Chamber member business.
On June 19, the Chamber partnered with the Arizona Diamondbacks for D-backs Black Excellence Night at Chase Field, where the organization was recognized for its work supporting small business development across Arizona. Dr. Trayham was also invited to participate in the ceremonial first pitch.
Dr. Velma Trayham on the field for the D-backs Black Excellence Night ceremonial first pitch.
In Tempe, the Chamber collaborated with the City of Tempe on a Juneteenth Block Party Market & Information Booth at Centerpoint Plaza on Mill Avenue. Dr. Trayham also participated in a moderated panel discussion led by Tempe Mayor Corey Woods on inclusive economic development and systems change.
Black Chamber of Arizona and The Dunbar Pavilion announce a new partnership to support Southern Arizona entrepreneurs.
Together, the week's programming reflected a coordinated effort to use Juneteenth as a platform for both cultural recognition and economic development across Arizona.
More information about the Black Chamber of Arizona and its programs is available at https://blackchamberaz.org/.
About the Black Chamber of Arizona
The Black Chamber of Arizona is a statewide organization focused on advancing inclusive economic opportunity through advocacy, business development, and strategic partnerships. The Chamber supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through programming designed to improve access to capital, contracting opportunities, and ecosystem connections across Arizona.
Media Contact:
Black Chamber of Arizona
Black Chamber Press Department
602-307-5200
[email protected]
https://blackchamberaz.org/
SOURCE: Black Chamber of Arizona