(WASHINGTON, DC – August 7, 2025) — The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), the global voice of Black business, proudly celebrated 16 years of empowering Black entrepreneurs at the 2025 USBC National Conference & Sweet 16 Celebration, held July 30 – August 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Presented by American Airlines and Wells Fargo, the multi-day event brought together leading voices in business, media, government, and culture to reflect on the past, engage in the present, and chart the future of Black economic growth.
The conference kicked off with Business Day on Wednesday, July 30, spotlighting powerhouse speakers and
mainstage conversations with industry titans including Kevin Kelley, Founder & CEO of Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley; Pinky Cole Hayes, Founder & CEO of Slutty Vegan; and Steve Hightower, Founder & CEO of Hightowers Petroleum Co., who also hosted an onsite book signing for his newly released memoir, FUELING: From Zero to $1 Billion. In partnership with Amazon’s Global Procurement Organization, the first 100 books were gifted to attendees as part of Amazon’s community impact initiative focused on literacy.
Kennedy Oates, VP of Global Procurement at Amazon, joined Emmy Award-winning journalist Ed Gordon and Ron Busby Sr., USBC President & CEO, for a candid conversation on Amazon’s global purchasing power and their intentional approach to supplier diversity and equity.
From the power of procurement to the impact of media, the day continued with thought-provoking panels, including:
- “Build Businesses That Move Markets and Mindsets” featuring Kimberly A. Blackwell (CEO, PMM Agency), Michelle Marshall, Corey Smith (Head of DEI, LVMH), and Ayiko Broyard (EVP, Head of Account Management, Walter-Issacson)
- “The Power of Storytelling, Influence & Media” with Valeisha Butterfield (CEO, SEED Media), Leslie Small (Film Director and Producer), Tressa Smallwood (CEO, MegaMind Media), and Nicky Sparrow (EVP, Multicultural Sales – iHeart Media), moderated by Ed Gordon
- ByBlack’s session on “Fueling Entrepreneurial Growth Through Equity,” with Ronald Busby Jr. (Head of Product, ByBlack), Alicea Gay (VP, External Affairs & Certification, ByBlack), and Braxton Gunter (Head of Engineering, ByBlack), highlighted the benefits of certification and the ByBlack business directory.
The conference also featured the ByBlack Bazaar, a curated marketplace showcasing over 30 Black-owned businesses offering a range of products and services, alongside USBC’s corporate partners. Companies can sign up at www.byblack.us to register in the ByBlack business directory and get certified at no-cost.
Thursday’s Advocacy Day featured a powerful lineup of leaders and changemakers. Governor Wes Moore of Maryland joined Ed Gordon for an intimate armchair conversation, setting the tone for a day focused on policy and progress. The dynamic USBC State of the Union followed, featuring insights from Roland Martin, Rep. Harold Love, and Mayor Marco McClendon on the state of Black America.
Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan delivered inspiring remarks, while Cicley Gay, Chair of Black Lives Matter, offered a forward-looking perspective on community organizing and movement-building.
Adding a critical lens on political engagement, Terrance Woodbury, CEO of HIT Strategies, shared data-driven insights on the evolving influence of Black and young voters ahead of the 2028 election.
Rick Freeman, President of Project Kuiper by Amazon, introduced one of the world’s most ambitious broadband initiatives. He discussed how Project Kuiper is working to close the digital divide by expanding fast, affordable internet access to underserved communities—and how his mission-driven leadership is propelling equitable tech innovation forward.
The evening culminated in the USBC Evening of Inspiration & Awards Ceremony, where Grammy-nominated artist Mali Music and singer Jai Vaughn delivered electrifying performances.
2025 USBC Award Honorees included:
- Small Business of the Year: Value Partnerships
- Large Business/Enterprise of the Year: Hightowers Petroleum Company
- Corporation of the Year: GeoBroadcasting Solutions
- Chamber of the Year: African American Chamber of PA, NJ, & DE
- USBC Advocate of the Year: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett
- USBC Advocacy Trailblazer of the Year: Senator Cory Booker
- USBC Justice Vanguard of the Year: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
The conference closed in style with the USBC Pink-Tie Affair presented by American Airlines and PENN Entertainment, a Monte Carlo-themed celebration commemorating the organization’s Sweet 16 milestone.
“This year’s conference marks a pivotal moment in our journey,” said Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “For 16 years, we’ve remained committed to driving access to capital, technical assistance, and policy advocacy for Black-owned businesses and chambers across the country. As we celebrate our Sweet 16, I’m more energized than ever about the future of USBC and the next chapter of our mission to build sustainable Black wealth.”
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley served as the official hospitality partner throughout the celebration. Black-Owned spirit brand Love Cork Screw and Blackleaf Organic Vodka powered the evening experiences.
Photos and video highlights from the conference are available at www.usbccon.com.
About USBC:
The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.
