Blog Layout

2nd Annual State of the California African American Economy Summit 2024

Kim Anthony • January 25, 2024

The California African American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual “State of the California African American Economy Summit” from January 24 to January 25 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel. The summit aimed to bolster Black economic influence through education and fellowship, bringing together some of the state’s most influential Black business leaders, policymakers, and economic thinkers. Discussions focused on various economic topics pertinent to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, equity, and more.

Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA), attended the event and spoke to attendees about his department’s efforts to increase access for Black business owners. He highlighted initiatives and programs to enhance opportunities and support for Black entrepreneurs in the transportation sector.

Lueathel Seawood, the president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of San Joaquin County, candidly shared her frustration with the challenges small businesses face in obtaining federal contracts and completing the certification process. She noted that once a small business was certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), there was little assistance available to help them progress to the next step. Toks Omishakin acknowledged that more work is needed to help small businesses complete the process and be included in upcoming projects. He mentioned that the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s high-speed rail system expansion has set a goal of 30% participation from small businesses, but only 10% is specifically set aside for DBEs.

The importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in economics was reinforced during the “State of the California Economy” talk, led by author and economist Julianne Malveaux and Anthony Asadullah Samad, Executive Director of the Mervyn Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute (MDAAPEI) at California State University, Dominguez Hills.


Malveaux emphasized that assaults on DEI disproportionately affect women of color and Black women. When asked about the potential role of the loss of DEI in economics, she suggested that there might be a more sinister purpose behind these attacks, hinting at the intentional marginalization of these groups to maintain systemic inequalities and hinder their economic progress.


The most anticipated speaker at the event was Janice Bryant Howroyd, affectionately known as “JBH” to her peers. She is among the first Black women to run and own a multi-billion-dollar company. Her company, ActOne Group, is one of the world’s largest and most recognized hiring, staffing, and human resources firms. Howroyd is also the author of “Acting Up” and has a profile on Forbes.


Timothy Alan Simon, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, a lawyer, and the first Black Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor of California, moderated the discussion. Together, they explored the state of Black entrepreneurship in the country, with Howroyd offering advice to other business owners.

For more information visit: https://calaacc.org

Business Resources

Share This Article

This Couple Launched A Delivery Service To Bring Black Farmers and Food Suppliers To Your Doorstep

By UBJ Staff • March 26, 2025
(ATLANTA) Move over Instacart! In the months following the country’s shutdown due to the pandemic, Rhandi and Jonathan Altidor noticed something was missing in the food delivery market — Black grocers. Their solution? The couple decided to bridge the gap with The Better Buggy , a grocery delivery service for Black-owned farms and food suppliers in their Atlanta community. “I told my husband that it was really frustrating that weren’t able to support Black-owned stores because a lot of the major outlets that offer [grocery delivery] don’t have smaller Black-owned businesses available,” Rhandi told Because of Them We Can. “We are always team ‘buy Black’ whenever we can, whereever we can — why don’t we fill this void that’s out there and help empower these local Black-owned stores and create this service because it wasn’t there.” The two educators, Rhandi a middle school teacher and Jonathan a school counselor in Fulton County Schools, used their downtime to create the business while juggling married life and parenthood. With help from their family and wider community they’ve been able to make inroads in a predominately white market. The Better Buggy offers same-day delivery for fresh produce and everyday essentials, including vegan, organic, and gluten-free options.

The Heart of Inglewood: Yolanda Davidson Honored as a Woman of Excellence in Community Service

By LaTania • March 25, 2025
(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood, California, is a city steeped in culture, resilience, and history. At the heart of this vibrant community stands Yolanda Davidson, an Inglewood native whose life and work embody the spirit of advocacy, service, and unwavering dedication. Born at Centinela Hospital and a proud alumna of Parent Elementary, Morningside High School, and California National University, Yolanda’s roots in Inglewood run deep. Her education also includes completing the prestigious Congressional Black Caucus Institute in 2022 and the California Black Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Program at Cal State Dominguez. These experiences shaped Yolanda into a dynamic community advocate, empowering her with the tools to lead and inspire change. For over 25 years, Yolanda has tirelessly championed causes that matter most to the people of Inglewood. Her advocacy spans across generations, supporting students, elderly residents, and families affected by tragedy. When the Inglewood Unified School District threatened to close Warren Lane Elementary, Yolanda stood shoulder-to-shoulder with parents and children, fighting to preserve the school’s legacy. When four young lives were tragically lost on Park Avenue, Yolanda humanized the victims, supported grieving families, and joined their fight for justice. Yolanda’s influence extends far beyond activism. She regularly attends city meetings, providing vital input on Inglewood’s major projects, while maintaining strong ties with the senior community. Through initiatives like breakfast gatherings at Osage Senior Villas and hosting a Winter Wonderland event , Yolanda ensures that Inglewood’s senior residents feel valued and connected. Her commitment to preserving Inglewood’s rich culture is unwavering. Whether she’s advocating for small businesses impacted by stadium construction, cheering on student athletes, or simply showing up as a volunteer when needed, Yolanda’s deep love for her hometown shines through. Yolanda Davidson exemplifies what it means to be a community leader. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, unity, and hope. As Inglewood evolves, Yolanda remains a steadfast reminder that its vibrant culture and strong sense of community will always endure.

The Sound of Success: Primah’s Mission to Empower Artists and Redefine Music in Media

By LaTania Smith • March 25, 2025
(INGLEWOOD) Inglewood native Primah is a creative force whose soulful voice, songwriting talents, and entrepreneurial spirit are leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. As a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Sounds You Need Collective (S.Y.N. Collective) , Primah is helping to redefine how music is used in media while empowering artists to embrace their creativity and business potential. Primah’s journey in music began with her signature sound—a soulful blend of melodic R&B and the gritty energy of today’s hip-hop. Her ability to craft witty, heartfelt lyrics paired with funky beats has made her a sought-after songwriter. Her songs have been featured in popular shows like All American and Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t , as well as in the globally renowned video game Fortnite . In 2021, Primah took her passion for music to new heights by co-founding the S.Y.N. Collective , an Inglewood-based music licensing agency and independent music publisher. Under her leadership, the S.Y.N. Collective has grown to represent over 90 artists and more than 3,000 songs , achieving 100 placements in television, podcasts, video games, and advertisements. Their work has been featured on platforms such as Facebook Meta Campaigns, the CW, NFL, HBO, CBS, and Netflix , bringing their music to millions of listeners worldwide. Primah’s commitment to empowering artists extends beyond licensing. In 2024, she opened the Duality Production House , an audio recording studio and content space in Inglewood designed to bring artists together, foster collaboration, and teach entrepreneurial skills. The studio has become a hub for creativity, providing artists with a space to grow their craft while learning how to navigate the business side of the industry. Primah is passionate about the power of music in media and its capacity to transform visual content emotionally and globally. Whether it’s penning a heartfelt song, championing the work of emerging artists, or creating spaces for collaboration and growth, Primah’s work is a testament to her dedication to the artistry and business of music.
Show More
Share by: