Texas Black chamber leaders gather in Fort Worth for annual conference

Leaders from across Texas are set to convene in Fort Worth this week for the 2026 annual conference of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce. The three-day event runs from Sept. 23 to 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Worth South Hotel & Conference Center, located at 100 Altamesa Blvd. E.

The association represents more than 30 Black chambers and advocates for over 350,000 Black-owned businesses in the state. Organizers stated that the gathering aims to connect entrepreneurs, chamber leaders, and community advocates to discuss strategies, capital, and connections that support business growth.

Charles O’Neal, the association’s president, emphasized in a promotional video that the conference demonstrates how these organizations are working on practical solutions to create a sustainable Black economy.

Local business figures are scheduled to speak at the event, including Michelle Green-Ford, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce; Sharon Douglas, owner and CEO of Potere Construction; and Velenda Dewberry, director of southeast region sales for Visit Fort Worth. The agenda includes keynote addresses, workshops on artificial intelligence, an awards dinner, vendor hubs, and a legislative update for 2027.

An economic summit is planned for Friday at 10 a.m., focusing on networking, government contracting, and business-to-business opportunities.

The state conference follows a similar event held in Fort Worth the previous week by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Amy Brown, chief sales and strategy officer at Visit Fort Worth, noted that the city maintains a robust convention schedule.

She indicated that Fort Worth expects to host more than 200 meetings and events in 2027, welcoming both returning groups and new additions such as the National Beta Club and NCAA Men’s Basketball.

Earlier this year, Green-Ford discussed how the Fort Worth Black chamber strengthened its financial position through new community partnerships and corporate sponsorships. The organization has focused on certifications for minority- and women-owned firms to enhance their competitiveness for city contracts, particularly after the city suspended diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to comply with federal orders.

Green-Ford stated that the group remains committed to supporting these businesses and ensuring their viability.

Source: Fort Worth Report.

Sources

fortworthreport.org