Black Business Leaders Press White House, Congress on Policy, Trade and Contracting Access

A national delegation of Black business leaders met with White House officials and members of Congress this week, pressing for expanded economic opportunities and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Black-owned enterprises across the United States.

Photo: Front Row (L-R) - Charles DeBow, Lynne Patton, Dr. Ken Harris and Kevin Daniels

The meetings, organized as part of the National Black Chamber of Commerce’s National Business Policy Conference in partnership with the National Alliance for Black Business, brought together CEOs, chamber executives and advocates for discussions on long-standing barriers in policy, trade and federal contracting.

Delegates convened at the White House and the U.S. Senate’s Hart Office Building, where they emphasized the need for sustained engagement with policymakers while advancing strategies focused on wealth creation, capital access and global market expansion.

“Our interests begin with policy,” said Charles H. DeBow III, president and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. “Second, much of America’s wealth has historically been created through federal contracting. And third is trade — especially global economic development, including the rapidly expanding markets across Africa.”

Participants said the discussions centered on practical steps to improve access to federal procurement opportunities, increase capital for Black-owned businesses and strengthen trade connections, particularly within the African diaspora.

Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, president and CEO of the National Business League and co-founder of the National Alliance for Black Business, said the delegation’s goal was to push beyond symbolic engagement.

“We did not come to Washington for symbolism — we came to move the needle,” Harris said. “Black business leaders are focused on connecting real opportunities and ensuring our voice is present where economic policy decisions are made.”

Leaders also pointed to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, as a potential equalizer for historically underserved businesses.

“Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities to level the playing field,” one participant said. “Our work and our service will ultimately stand on their own merit.”

Delegates called for measurable progress in several key areas, including procurement reform, workforce development pipelines and the creation of international trade corridors linking Black-owned businesses to global markets. Advocates argued that Black Business Enterprises remain an underutilized driver of economic growth nationwide.

“Black Business Enterprises remain one of the most underutilized engines of economic growth in the United States,” Harris said.

The convening comes as business leaders prepare for the 126th National Business League Conference, scheduled for Aug. 19–22 in Atlanta, where organizers say they will continue advancing strategies to build generational wealth and economic independence.

“When we work together around our economic interests, we all win,” DeBow said.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1993, represents a federation of Black chambers nationwide and advocates for policies supporting entrepreneurship and global competitiveness. The National Alliance for Black Business, established in 2022, is a coalition of organizations focused on expanding economic opportunity and strengthening partnerships for Black-owned businesses.