As we bid farewell to 2023, the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce & Social Club (ABCC) reflects on a remarkable journey. This year saw historic moments, starting with our Grand Opening, a Black Tie event welcoming 150 guests on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The new home at 141 Washington Ave. (formerly the historic University Club) became a hub of innovation and business growth for business executives and owners. 

From the catering and decor to production and entertainment, we proudly sourced all our vendors locally, with an impressive 75% of them being black-owned businesses. Mayor Kathy Sheehan emphasized the profound significance of ABCC's presence within the historic University Club, envisioning it as a dynamic space where business engagement, mentorship, and leadership development would thrive—a catalyst poised to enrich the vibrancy of Albany's neighborhoods.

Remarks were made by our esteemed board members, CICU President and Board Chair Lola Brabham, Council President Corey Ellis and Co-Founder Jahkeen Hoke. Our CEO, Deshanna C. Wiggins, humbly acknowledged the trailblazers who paved the way in our region and expressed heartfelt gratitude to ABCC's primary investor, Business For Good, and the evening's sponsors, KeyBank, Meier Law Firm PLLC, Advance Albany County Alliance, Capital Bank, Rewire Energy, MVP Healthcare, First New York Federal Credit Union, Highmark and Admin-On-Call. Their unwavering support, coupled with the palpable excitement of the business community, played a pivotal role in ensuring the resounding success of our Grand Opening event.

The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce celebrated the start of Black History Month with a ribbon-cutting and community open house, marking a new era for economic empowerment in the Capital Region's business landscape. This inaugural event not only marked the Chamber's physical establishment but also showcased the community's commitment to inclusivity and growth. The event’s sponsors included KeyBank, Meier Law Firm PLLC, and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce.

CEO Deshanna C. Wiggins, alongside Board Members Jahkeen Hoke, Council President Corey Ellis, and Board Chair Lola Brabham, proudly cut the ribbon, signifying a gateway of opportunities for Black-owned businesses. Under Wiggins' visionary leadership, the Chamber pledges to be a vital support system, offering resources and networking prospects. The enthusiasm of the attendees reflects the community's collective hope for a thriving future and included Albany’s Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Assemblymembers Pat Fahy and John McDonald, Albany County Legislature Carolyn McLaughlin, and representatives from Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Congressman Paul Tonko’s office.

With its doors now open, the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to becoming a hub for resources, education, and networking opportunities. with the Chamber playing a pivotal role in shaping the success of local businesses and the broader economic landscape.

ABCC hosted “The State of our Economy: Where We Stand and What Could Be” an Economic Forum and Fireside Chat. Esteemed industry leaders engaged in an insightful discussion about the complexities of today's economic landscape and its impact on communities of color. The distinguished panel featured Raimundo Archibold Jr. Managing Director of Schwartz Heslin Group, Angela Dixon, Chief Diversity Officer for Berkshire Bank, and Paul Zuber, Executive Vice President of The Business Council. The conversation was skillfully moderated by our own Deshanna C. Wiggins.

This event served as a pivotal moment, enriching our collective understanding of the current economic climate and future prospects. The conversation illuminated current economic challenges, growth opportunities, and strategies for resilience.

The forum underscored the Chamber's unwavering commitment to nurturing an environment where entrepreneurs and businesses can prosper amidst the challenges and opportunities of the economic landscape. This discussion exemplified the Chamber's dedication to equipping its members with valuable insights and tools for success.

The Business Finance Workshop, a collaborative effort by ABCC and the Capital Region Chamber, gathered industry leaders with a shared commitment to empowering businesses. The event featured presentations by Richard Sellars of SCORE, a small business mentoring and education organization, and Ryan Case, SVP Business Banking Market Lead at KeyBank. These presentations offered invaluable insights into financial strategies, fostering business growth, and navigating the fundamental steps required, both personally and professionally, to launch or advance a small business.

As presenters shared their expertise and interacted with participants, the workshop played a pivotal role in equipping businesses with the knowledge and resources necessary for financial success.



This interactive session united business owners from various industries, all driven to master essential financial strategies for long-term sustainability and growth. It laid the groundwork for financial acumen that is poised to propel economic success within the community. This initiative underscores the Chamber's unwavering commitment to cultivating a robust economic environment where businesses can flourish.

In the tapestry of our journey through 2023, one thread stands out prominently—the Health and Wellness Series hosted by the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce. This event, a convergence of compassion, dialogue, and community, marked a significant chapter in our collective pursuit of understanding and support.

The kickoff, delving into the critical issue of substance abuse, featured Judge Terrinee L. Gundy of Atlanta, GA who stopped in Albany as part of her national tour to share her memoir, The Daughter Of A Junkie: A True Love Story, sharing personal stories of love, struggle, and redemption. Accompanied by distinguished panelists, including Dr. Veneilya Harden, NYS Office of Mental Health Advocacy Specialist, Dr. Tanya Henderson, Founder of 1st Step Counseling, and as moderator, Dr. Alfredo Medina, Vice President of DEI at Bennington College, the series fostered meaningful dialogue and the space for panelist and attendees to share their stories, knowledge, and expertise with our community.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors, The Meier Law Firm PLLC, Daquetta P. Jones, and The McLean Group whose support played a pivotal role in making this event possible. ABCC is committed to fostering a healthier, more connected community in the coming year.

The Albany Black Chamber of Commerce proudly introduced the city's sole remaining bowling alley, heralding an exhilarating revival destined to ignite community involvement and boost local business growth. The grand unveiling of the bowling alley was a truly spectacular event, graced by none other than the illustrious 4-time Olympic bowler, Gazmine "GG" Mason.

We were absolutely thrilled to have her join our supporters for a memorable evening filled with abundant refreshments and joyous laughter. Brace yourself for the opportunity to partake in the excitement of strikes and spares. This reinvigorated venue is primed to inject fresh vibrancy into Albany's social scene, providing a space where the worlds of business and leisure seamlessly converge.

Step into the Enchanting "Miracle on Washington Ave.," a holiday soiree co-hosted by the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce and Wallace Turner Law. This event was an electrifying celebration, pulsating with excitement and featuring the vibrant beats of the nationally recognized and the Capital Region’s own, DJ TGIF, and an exquisite hors d'oeuvres station crafted to please every palate, courtesy of Hell’s Kitchen contestant and one of ABCC’s exclusive caterers, Jermaine Wright and 8 Count Kitchen.

The highlight of the evening was the Silent Auction, a showcase of extraordinary items from local black-owned businesses. Among the treasures were a self-care bundle featuring products and services from These Hands by Jarita, RK Crates and Baskets, Skin Deep Naturals by OM, Nude Dwellings, and Blooms By Marie. Attendees also had the chance to bid on a 518 Black Restaurant Sampler, which included delectable offerings from Umana Yana, Upstate’s Cold Brew, 8 Count Kitchen, Jackson Soul Catering, and Unique Coqui Brews. Lastly, a live painting of the city’s skyline by the talented Schenectady artist, Art Mon3y, added an artistic touch to the event.

The night concluded on a heartwarming note, with over $5,000 raised to support the mission and initiatives of the ABCC Foundation and YWCA.

This Spring, The Stakeholders selected the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce as the host for their engaging panel discussion titled 'Affordable Housing: Perspectives and Challenges.' The distinguished panel featured prominent experts, including serial entrepreneur Jahkeen Hoke, Al Testa, Senior Vice President & Commercial Banking Executive at NBT Bank, Susan Cotner, Executive Director at Affordable Housing Partnership/Albany Community Land Trust, and Jason Benitez, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Capital Region Chamber.

The discussion was expertly moderated by Catherine M. Hedgeman, Esq., along with our CEO, Deshanna C. Wiggins. This event provided a valuable platform where community members, industry leaders, and advocates converged to engage in a meaningful exploration of the present challenges and future possibilities in the realm of affordable housing.

The NYS Writers Institute and Albany Black Chamber of Commerce jointly presented "Sharing the Wealth," an insightful conversation featuring Jahkeen Hoke and Ed Mitzen, where Mitzen discussed his latest book, Wealthy and White: Why Guys Like Me Have To Show Up, Step Up, and Give Others A Hand Up. This event transcended traditional discussions about wealth, delving deep into the realms of inclusivity, equity, and societal progress. Attendees were immersed in a thought-provoking dialogue that not only demystified financial concepts but also underscored the shared obligation to distribute the benefits of success for the betterment of all.

Capitalize Albany hosted its annual Building For Tomorrow forum at the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, setting the stage for an evening filled with networking and a stimulating panel discussion centered around the city of Albany's exciting new investments.

Capitalize Albany and Mayor Kathy Sheehan provided valuable insights into upcoming developments that hold the promise of shaping the city's future.

Guided by Deshanna C. Wiggins, CEO of Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, the panel featured distinguished individuals including Caroline Corrigan, a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Albany; Dominick Purnomo, owner of the Restaurant Group (including Yono’s, dp, an American Brasserie, and others); Josh Merlis, President of Albany Running Exchange and ARE Event Productions; and Dr. Zarina Jalal, a supervising pharmacist at Lincoln Pharmacy. Together, they engaged in a thoughtful discussion covering the challenges of building a business, the impact of AI technology, and the positive influence of Capitalize Albany’s support.



Building For Tomorrow at ABCC exemplified the spirit of collaborative growth, innovation, and the pursuit of equitable business opportunities. Stay tuned for more upcoming events that will continue to shape and invigorate Albany's thriving business community!

Chef Jermaine Wright, celebrated for his culinary prowess showcased on Hell's Kitchen, proved that his talents extend far beyond the television spotlight. In a heartwarming collaboration, 8 Count Kitchen took center stage alongside the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, embarking on a mission to #Feed500. The Each One Feed One Holiday Harvest beautifully demonstrated the boundless generosity of our community. Donations, whether consisting of canned goods, items for local free food fridges, or brand-new unopened toys, were transformed into meaningful acts of kindness, encapsulating the true essence of the holiday season.

Chef Jermaine generously provided free hot meals, effectively turning these donations into heartfelt gestures of holiday goodwill. With over 100 registrants, families celebrated the holiday season in a joyous atmosphere, accompanied by DJ TGIF and with the assistance of SEAT Center, who not only served meals but also distributed gifts and books provided by the RED Bookshelf to participating children.

We wholeheartedly extend our gratitude to Chef Jermaine and our community for their contributions to a truly impactful and heartwarming celebration.

The inaugural Renaissance Black Film Festival (RBFF) graced the vibrant landscape of New York's Capital Region this past summer, taking place at the prestigious and historic Palace Theatre. Our CEO, Deshanna C. Wiggins and the festival's Coordinator and Programmer, Arielle Steele, had the honor of co-hosting a compelling panel discussion titled Why We Tell Stories, alongside esteemed industry talents Morris Chestnut (known for his roles in "Boyz n the Hood," "The Best Man," and NBC's "The Enemy Within"), Gail Bean (renowned for her work in "Snowfall," "P Valley," and "Unexpected"), and Jamal Hill (noted for "Brotherly Love").

Chestnut and Bean, both celebrated actors, shared their unique perspectives on the delicate balance between art and reality, recounting their personal journeys that have kept them continually inspired. Hill, a native of the Capital Region, added a local touch by sharing his perspective on the importance of portraying genuine and authentic Black stories.

RBFF, under the visionary leadership of industry stalwarts like Kevin Johnson, the Executive Director of Albany Palace Theatre, and Micah Khan, along with the support of Collectiveffort, was steadfast in its mission to establish the Capital Region as a burgeoning filmmaking hub. The festival proudly showcased a wide array of films from talented Black filmmakers across the nation. Moreover, it didn't stop at recognition; RBFF awarded coveted honors and cash prizes, underlining its unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and catalyzing growth within the film industry.

Under the banner of More Than a Job: Seizing Opportunity, Building Community, Goldman Sachs Ayco organized an engaging panel discussion tailored for local college students. This event brought together representatives from local chambers, forming a distinguished panel that included our CEO, Deshanna C. Wiggins, alongside Jason Benitez, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Capital Region Chamber, as well as Laudelina Martinez, Executive Director of the New York Capital Region Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Tara Brethholtz, Vice President for Talent Strategy at Goldman Sachs Ayco moderated.

The panel deep-dived into critical topics, including the empowerment of students to recognize the significance of their contributions to the community and how these contributions can translate into valuable opportunities. Moreover, the discussion revolved around the exploration of constructive dialogues aimed at identifying additional measures that can be put in place to support recent graduates as they navigate their transition into the workforce.

Become a part of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce today and open the door to a world of opportunities. Our membership is your gateway to:

• Networking: Connect with industry leaders and professionals who can help you expand your horizons.
• Education: Stay ahead of the curve with exclusive workshops and valuable resources to enhance your knowledge and skills.
• Visibility: Showcase your business within our nurturing community, gaining exposure and recognition.

However, it's more than just membership; it's an opportunity to actively shape the Capital Region's economic landscape, providing your business with a strategic advantage. Join us every first Monday of the month for Membership Mondays and learn more about what it means to be a member of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce. Register for our next Membership Monday, January 8, 2024.