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Left to right, Dr. Vic Baker, CAACC Bd Member, Cathy Adams, President OAACC, Ron Tate, Koach IT, Dr. Tecoy Porter, Genesis Church, John Heath, Turo. Robert Maryland, OBSERVER\t\t\t<\/p>\nBy Cheryl Brownlee<\/p>\n
The California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) hosted a pivotal summit on October 22, 2025, at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative in Redwood City. The event, themed \u201cBuilding An Equitable Economic Future,\u201d brought together an inspiring and diverse group of leaders from the business, government, and community sectors to discuss solutions for inclusive economic growth and long-term prosperity.<\/p>\n
This one-day summit was more than just a gathering \u2014 it was a call to action. The purpose: to unite stakeholders from all sectors in breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities, and creating lasting prosperity for communities of color.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal of this summit is simple but powerful,\u201d said Ahmad Holmes, President & CEO of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, in his opening remarks. \u201cWe are here to make equity not just a buzzword, but a real, shared experience for all people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event featured an inspiring keynote address by Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. As one of the state\u2019s leading voices on infrastructure and equitable transportation solutions, Omishakin passionately discussed the role of transportation in shaping economic access and opportunity.<\/p>\n
Throughout the day, attendees participated in a series of panel discussions and workshops on critical topics such as \u201cInfrastructure & Energy,\u201d moderated by Brigette LeBlanc, President & CEO of the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce. Panelists included Wayne Barnett, Dr. Melanie Okoro, Simeon Gant, Mitch Mitchell, and Dr. Vic Baker. Special information was provided on minority-owned business growth and inclusive public policy by Dr. Tara Lynn Gray.<\/p>\n
Another panel, titled \u201cCommunications in Business Using AI,\u201d examined how AI is already transforming the way small businesses and nonprofits operate. Panelists included Pastor John Heath, Cathy Adams, Dr. Tecoy Porter, and Ron Tate.<\/p>\n
Left to right, Dr. Vic Baker, CAACC Bd Member, Cathy Adams, President OAACC, Ron Tate, Koach IT, Dr. Tecoy Porter, Genesis Church, John Heath, Turo. Robert Maryland, OBSERVER\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that business growth can fuel a thriving economy, but too often, access to capital and networks are not equally distributed,\u201d said Cathy Adams, President & CEO of the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce. \u201cWe need to intentionally design systems that level the playing field for entrepreneurs from historically underfunded communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
A fireside chat with Mona Pasquil Rogers, Meta\u2019s Director of California State Policy, shared with small business owners and entrepreneurs how to use AI as a growth partner \u2014 not a threat \u2014 and how to inspire confidence in leveraging Meta\u2019s tools responsibly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not here just to talk \u2014 we are here to act,\u201d said Derek Smith, CEO of Marinship and Chairman of the event, in his closing remarks. \u201cThis summit is the beginning of a movement. Together, we will break down barriers, open doors, and ensure that a prosperous future is within reach for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information about the California African American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) contact info@calaacc.org or (800) 791-7068.<\/p>\n
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