PHOENIX — June 21, 2026 — The Black Chamber of Arizona capped a week of Juneteenth programming across the state with events spanning executive convenings, cultural celebrations, and new community partnerships, reinforcing the Chamber’s role as a connector across business, culture, and civic life.
“Juneteenth calls us to remember the past while building the future,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “This year’s programming demonstrated what is possible when culture, commerce, and community come together with intention. From Phoenix to Tempe to Tucson, we celebrated Black excellence while advancing visibility, opportunity, and economic momentum for entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.”
The week began June 18 with the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Vision Forward: Leadership & Economic Impact Convening in Phoenix, drawing a full house of business, civic, and community leaders. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego delivered remarks, joined by Rob Taylor, Associate General Manager and Chief Public Affairs & Corporate Services Executive at SRP, and Tracy Lopes, Deputy Chief of Staff for Outreach and Engagement in the Office of Governor Katie Hobbs. Emceed by Daja Lee, founder of Finance Therapy Group and a former Chamber board member, the evening featured testimony from four Chamber member businesses on how the Chamber has supported their growth through contracting opportunities and capital connections. In her remarks, Dr. Trayham highlighted the growth of Black buying power in Arizona, from $6.6 billion in 2010 to $14.9 billion by 2021, according to the Selig Center for Economic Growth’s Multicultural Economy report. The convening was sponsored by SRP, Cox, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, with catering by Mrs. Martha’s Caribbean Kitchen, a Chamber member business.
On June 19, the Chamber’s D-backs Black Excellence Night at Chase Field, presented with the Arizona Diamondbacks, put Black excellence on a major-league stage. The Diamondbacks recognized the Black Chamber of Arizona as Arizona’s premier organization advancing small business growth since 1995, and honored Dr. Trayham’s leadership in mentoring thousands of entrepreneurs and supporting the growth of more than 1,200 Arizona businesses. Dr. Trayham was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch.
In Tempe, the Chamber partnered with the City of Tempe for a Juneteenth Block Party Market & Info Booth at Centerpoint Plaza on Mill Avenue, and Dr. Trayham joined a panel moderated by Tempe Mayor Corey Woods on systems change and inclusive economic growth. In Tucson, the Chamber marked the public launch of a new partnership with The Dunbar Pavilion, a historic center for African American history and culture, bringing business resources, mentorship, and capital connections to one of Southern Arizona’s most concentrated small business communities. Executive Director Freda Marshall joined Dr. Trayham and Chamber board members Tondra Richardson and Christine Abdulla in marking the occasion.
Together, this year’s programming reflected a broader strategy: using Juneteenth as both a moment of remembrance and a platform for business growth, regional engagement, and long-term economic opportunity.
Get Involved
None of this happens without partners willing to invest in Arizona’s small business community. The Black Chamber of Arizona is calling on public agencies, corporations, and individual supporters to join this work — through sponsorship, contracting opportunities, mentorship, board service, or membership. Dr. Trayham has personally mentored more than 8,000 entrepreneurs nationally, work that reflects the Chamber’s core pillars: access to capital, contracting readiness, and building a stronger pipeline of businesses that drive Arizona’s economy forward. Public and private partners interested in getting involved are invited to learn more at blackchamberaz.org.
About the Black Chamber of Arizona The Black Chamber of Arizona is a statewide organization advancing inclusive economic opportunity through advocacy, connectivity, and strategic partnerships. Through business programming, public-private partnerships, and initiatives supporting underserved and underrepresented founders and professionals, the Chamber works to strengthen Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Media Contact: Black Chamber Press Department Info@blackchamberaz.com