February 10 & 11, 2026


Get ready to celebrate Black History Month with us in a bold and unforgettable way! Join us for two dynamic days of learning, connection, and inspiration designed to uplift, empower, and celebrate our business community.


✨ Professional Development Lunch & Learn

🤝 A Vibrant Business Networking Mingle


Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network, or simply celebrate excellence in business, there’s something for everyone. Attend one event or experience both, the choice is yours!


Let's Celebrate!


Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Professional Development Day

Ready to take your career to the next level? Professional development is the key to staying competitive, reaching your goals, and sharpening the skills that set you apart. Secure your spot today and grow with us!

From Vision to Victory: Leveraging AI for Business Growth


11:00 am - 3 pm


Lunch and Snacks Provided!


🌟 From Vision to Victory: Leveraging AI for Business Growth 🌟


Are you ready to work smarter, save time, and grow your business with confidence? This interactive Lunch & Learn will introduce you to the power of AI, specifically ChatGPT, and show you how to use it as a practical tool to support your daily business and professional goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or professional, this session is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and efficiency.


🎯 What You’ll Learn:


✅ AI Made Simple: Understand what ChatGPT is—and what it isn’t—so you can use it confidently without feeling overwhelmed.

✅ Work Smarter, Not Harder: Learn how to use AI to save time on emails, content creation, planning, and everyday tasks.

✅ Business Growth Tools: Discover practical ways AI can support marketing, customer communication, operations, and strategy.

✅ Real-Time Examples: See live demonstrations and use cases you can immediately apply to your business or career.


💡 Why It Matters:


AI is no longer the future, it’s here. Learning how to use tools like ChatGPT allows you to stay competitive, increase productivity, and focus your energy on what matters most: growth, impact, and innovation.


👥 Who Should Attend:



  • Entrepreneurs and small business owners
  • Professionals looking to improve efficiency and productivity
  • Leaders seeking smarter tools for communication and planning
  • Anyone curious about AI and how to use it effectively in real life


✨ Key Takeaway:


Turn AI into your virtual assistant, and your competitive advantage.


🌟 Join Us and Step Confidently Into the Future of Business! 🌟


Ready to move from vision to victory? Let’s grow smarter, together.




From Vision to Victory: Leveraging AI for Business Growth

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Business Networking Mingle


🎉 You're Invited! 🎉


Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Business Networking Mingle, where connection, culture, and community come together! This isn’t just a networking event; it’s a celebration of relationships, collaboration, and Black History Month.


Who’s invited?  You! Whether you’re joining us to honor Black History Month or looking to connect with fellow professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, everyone is welcome.


What’s in store?


  • Meaningful connections with professionals from diverse industries


  • New opportunities for collaboration and business growth


  • Exciting giveaways


  • Delicious food reflecting the diversity of our community


  • A special tribute honoring the rich legacy and impact of Black history


Don’t miss this opportunity to network with purpose, celebrate culture, and build lasting connections. Bring your business cards, your energy, and your vision, and let’s make it a night to remember!


📅 RSVP by 5 PM, February 4 to secure your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!



Click Here To Mingle

Date TBD

African American Heritage Trail
Lunch & Tour

Explore the rich history of Jacksonville and Onslow County through the "Jacksonville Onslow African American Heritage Trail." This enlightening journey takes you to significant landmarks, shares stories of resilience and cultural heritage, and offers insights into the community's contributions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and artistry that have shaped our region. Rediscover the past, appreciate the present, and embrace a more inclusive future on this unforgettable trail tour. 



Stay Tuned for Updates!

Thank You Sponsors
As a sponsor, your investment is vital to our mission. We truly appreciate your interest in helping our Council thrive. We are thrilled that you have expressed interest in supporting our events and projects. We are open to new ideas and would love to find more ways to work together. We are honored to have you as one of our partners, and we hope that you will continue to support us in the future. 
Jones-Onslow EMC is a member-owned electric cooperative committed to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service with uncompromised excellence in customer service to the citizens of Jones, Onslow, Pender, Duplin, Craven, and Lenoir counties. Their mission is to provide safe, reliable, affordable electric service with uncompromised excellence in customer service...that's the cooperative difference.

Founded on a commitment to serve Marines and their community, Marine Federal Credit Union has proudly supported its members for more than 60 years. Built on loyalty, trust, and service, Marine Federal helps individuals and families turn goals into achieved dreams, from buying a first car or dream home to planning for a secure retirement.


The Marine Chevrolet Promise is that you will receive the best price on your next car or truck the first time you contact them. The dealership has the largest selection of trucks in Jacksonville, Swansboro, and New Bern, making us known as Eastern Carolina's Truck Capital. They are proud to serve active and retired military stationed at the nearby bases, including Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville and Cherry Point in Havelock, near New Bern.

We power the lives of our customers and the vitality of our communities. See how we’re building a smarter, cleaner, more reliable energy future.

The Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (ONWASA) is a trusted regional utility dedicated to protecting public health and the environment through reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services. Serving more than 161,000 customers across 445 square miles, ONWASA delivers exceptional service through integrity, care, and collaboration.

America’s #1 Buffet + Grill


Golden Corral® offers a legendary, endless buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From our home-style menu favorites to signature sirloin steaks to seasonal promotion specials, there are always new menu items to explore. Lunch and dinner includes our all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar, signature yeast rolls, and homemade desserts, along with soft-serve ice cream and our famous carrot cake. Our great value for a good price makes Golden Corral a favorite family restaurant among adults and kids alike. Golden Corral’s unmatched variety accommodates most all nutrition needs such as low carb, vegan, paleo, and plant-based diet plans. To go and delivery available. A free, private party room is available for large groups and special occasions at every Golden Corral location. The Only One For Everyone®. Learn about our history, who we serve, how we give back, and our mission to deliver a pleasurable dining experience for families across America.