About Us

Our mission is to educate and advocate on behalf of African American businesses in the Greater San Antonio Metropolitan Area.

Founding Purpose

The Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce was established in April, 1938.

It provides a conduit between the City of San Antonio, its agencies and other governmental entities to foster economic empowerment for businesses and individuals in the eastern quadrant of San Antonio.

The Chamber’s emphasis was to be part of the economic activity, promote jobs, training and business referrals to businesses and organizations. The Chamber shall strive to include all businesses throughout the San Antonio metropolitan area.

The Chamber also sought to eliminate the isolation of the African American businesses.

History

The Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1938 as the Negro Chamber of Commerce when twelve men and one woman, Miss Euretta K. Fairchild decided to form an organization to address the business needs of the Black community in San Antonio.

The San Antonio Negro Chamber of Commerce was formed as an outgrowth of a program by the local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity’s “Bigger and Better Business” week.

Following the preliminary organizational work, a special meeting was held on Monday, May 23, 1938 at the Pine Street branch YWCA to elect officers for the new chamber.

At that meeting, local school teacher, and one of the city’s most progressive and civic-minded citizens, Thomas L. Holley, who, unquestionably had done much toward the new organization was elected president.

The other elected officers were Elisha Thompson, vice president; U.J. Andrews, executive secretary; G.J. Sutton, recording secretary; J.O. Aycock, assistant secretary; and Albert Lewis, treasurer. Board members were H. Dotry, Herbert Mouton, O.E. Fitzgerald, Euretta K. Fairchild, Curits Parrish, Brown L. Bracken and Arthur Bolton. twenty-three organizations made up the charter membership.

In 1964 our name was changed to what it is today, the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce.
Since the beginning, the chamber’s primary focus has been the business, professional, and economic development of its members. While times have changed, we believe our focus ‘connecting business and the community with a legacy of prosperity” continues to lead to a better San Antonio for everyone.

ACBCC membership represents all facets of the business community and includes members of many groups including representatives from corporations, entrepreneurs, bankers, communications, insurance brokers, managers, internet specialists, government officials, educators, attorneys, logistics coordinators, accounting firms, advertising agencies, entertainers, and retailers.