By Alfred Iverson
Participants in the Fall 2023 BBAP (L-R) Stephanie Alston, Haley Smith, Crystal Suber, Danah Slaughter, Timika Cousins, Cynthia Williams-Bey, Thomasina Jackson, Dr. Shonda Harris-Muhammed. Charmaine Tucker, Program Director | Photos Ervin B. Clarke
Richmond, Virginia’s historic Jackson Ward was infused with jubilation and celebration as the Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce (CVAACC) commemorated a significant milestone: its 10th Anniversary on December 6, 2023. Held at the iconic Historic Hippodrome Theater’s SpeakEasy Room, the event merged the chamber’s anniversary celebration with a spirited holiday gathering, uniting African American business owners and executives from the region.
Charmaine Wingfield Tucker, the new Managing Director of CVAACC from CLW Tucker | A Belief and Branding Agency LLC, graced the occasion as the event’s host. CLW Tucker LLC, has been entrusted with managing the programs, and membership functions of the chamber. They are an integral player in the chamber’s continued growth and success.
One of the evening’s highlights was the Recognition and Awards Ceremony, shining a spotlight on participants in the chamber’s hallmark Black Business Accelerator Program (BBAP). The program’s deserving participants received accolades, while the instructors behind this transformative initiative were duly honored.
Susan Quinn, CEO of Circle S. Studio and a seasoned marketing expert, delivered an inspiring keynote address, lending her expertise to the occasion. Quinn’s invaluable insights promise to further enrich the upcoming BBAP session scheduled to commence in January 2024, as her team joins the chamber’s slate of instructors.
Photos Ervin B. Clarke
The night was elevated by the mesmerizing performance of the Cloud 9 Band, serenading attendees with a repertoire of velvety smooth jazz that resonated throughout the venue.
At the core of CVAACC’s mission lies a dedication to fostering the growth of African American businesses. Ervin Clarke, the visionary Founder and Chairman of the chamber, emphasized the importance of business education and expanding one’s professional network within the C-suite as pivotal components for entrepreneurial success.
As the celebratory evening drew to a close, there was a collective toast to honor the chamber’s decade-long journey. Founder Ervin Clarke, buoyed by the momentous occasion, extended a spirited challenge to all present, inviting them to reconvene for the next milestone anniversary in another 10 years, affirming, “I’ll be there.”
The event not only underscored the chamber’s commitment to empowering African American entrepreneurs but also served as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and camaraderie inherent within Central Virginia’s business landscape. As the CVAACC continues to chart a path toward fostering growth and prosperity, its 10th Anniversary celebration stands as a beacon of inspiration for the years of success and collaboration that lie ahead.
