Black Business Summit Focuses on Equity, Access and Data

Timothy Alan Simon, chair of the board of the California African American Chamber of Commerce listens as Janice Bryant Howroyd, multi-millionaire and owner of The ActOne Group takes questions. as January 24, 2024 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, Lost Angeles, Calif. Photo by Solomon O. Smith By Solomon O. Smith, California Black Media The California African American Chamber of Commerce hosted its second annual “State of the California African American Economy Summit,” with the aim of bolstering Black economic influence through education and fellowship. Held from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, the convention brought together some of the most influential Black business leaders, policy makers and economic thinkers in the state. The discussions focused on a wide range of economic topics pertinent to California’s African American business community, including policy, government contracts, and equity, and more. Toks Omishakin, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CALSTA) was a guest at the event. He told attendees about his department’s efforts to increase access for Black business owners. “One thing I’m taking away from this for sure is we’re going to have to do a better job of connecting through your chambers of...