The African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania held its annual luncheon on Thursday, celebrating achievements within the African American community and economic development.
The event marked the final luncheon for founder and CEO Doris Carson Williams before her retirement.
Carson Williams described the afternoon as both exciting and emotional. She was honored for her impact in the region, having founded the chamber in 1998 with just 28 members and growing it into the third largest chamber of commerce in the area.
“New leadership taking over and building on what has been established,” Carson Williams said. “I just feel very proud of the foundation I created for greater things to move forward.”
Barãta A. Bey, the chamber of commerce’s president, will add the role of CEO to his duties.
Shawn Hicks, the chamber’s chief operating officer, noted that the day is one of their largest fundraising events of the year and that this year’s luncheon was particularly sentimental.
Carson Williams expressed optimism for the future of Black entrepreneurship.
“You always have to view your cup as half full, my cup is always half full, and the chamber’s cup is always half full,” she said. “There will be opportunities.”
Peggy Harris, president and CEO of Three Rivers Youth, which was originally established as the Home for Colored Children in 1880. The organization will celebrate its 145th anniversary next year. Harris, a longtime luncheon guest, emphasized its significance.
“I look forward to the caliber of the guest speaker because it is always someone who is at the head of a system that matters here in Pittsburgh,” Harris said.
“It reminds me of how organizations can have a profound impact on the quality of life,” she added. “I’ve always admired what Doris Carson Williams has done for the business community of color here in Pittsburgh, and I celebrate the end of an era for her.”
Harris appreciated remarks from keynote speaker Ken Gormley, president of Duquesne University, who highlighted the university’s inclusive history. Gormley noted that Duquesne admitted students of color and women earlier than many other institutions.
He also shared initiatives like partnerships with Uptown and Hill District residents to improve health care access.
Duquesne’s medical school is addressing alarming asthma rates in Black communities by collaborating with schools in Homewood and Hazelwood to ensure children with asthma don’t miss school. Additionally, the law school is establishing a law clinic to serve the community.
The luncheon was well-attended by members, chamber partners, and city officials.
Bey emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“I put so much emphasis on tearing down silos, building synergies, and working together,” Bey said. “There are so many gaps in this region that not one organization can address alone. It’s going to take a combined effort from all the top nonprofits, corporate organizations, and educational institutions. We need one solid goal to solve these problems.
“There are so many issues, where do you begin? Let’s sit down, figure out what we do really well, and focus on two or three key issues. From there, we can create a foundation for solving more problems,” Bey added.
Many attendees left feeling energized, including Ty’Asia Pitts, 28, CEO and founder of Hand in Hand Coaching and a chamber member.
“The event was amazing. Being able to network, come together as a unit, and celebrate is important,” Pitts said. “It also gets me excited for what lies ahead.”
Her organization mentors at-risk youths in the foster care system, those aging out, and youths facing homelessness.
“We help them become the best versions of themselves despite their current circumstances,” she said.
For Elissa DiNello, business development manager for Allegheny County Economic Development, it was her first time attending the luncheon.
“It’s great to have these partnerships to uplift the entire community,” she said.
Chairman Samuel Stephenson stressed the importance of adaptability and collaboration.
“Change is important because organizations grow with change,” Stephenson said. “If we are going to meet the needs of changing environments, organizations have to evolve.”
He said partnerships are critical to advancing the entire community.
“Not just African American businesses but small businesses in general,” he said.
Shaylah Brown is a TribLive reporter covering art, culture and communities of color. A New Jersey native, she joined the Trib in 2023. When she’s not working, Shaylah dives into the worlds of art, wellness and the latest romance novels. She can be reached at [email protected].
