“History is the foundation for which progress is built…the foundation and the basis for our daily decisions…the foundation for our future plans.  But history without progress, without decisions and without future plans…remains history, unlearned.”  by Laura R. Thompson

The Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce was founded in May 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/entrepreneurial needs of the Black community in San Antonio.  They had the tenacity to dream, to visualize, to move forward, to make decisions, to plan and then to implement progress and change.  The Chamber began with the idea that economic development was not only necessary in the black community, but also possible.  This vision and commitment of a few men and one woman, saw a better San Antonio that needed the inclusion of black commerce.  Of course, unlike today, Chamber members had extremely limited resources and building materials, and they owned very little property; yet, as a united faction, they began to blaze trails throughout the East and West sides of San Antonio.  Whatever they could dream, they worked together to achieve.  Whatever they needed, they worked together to develop and create.

San Antonio’s Black business/entrepreneurial community has a rich history.  We’ve built a chamber of commerce, churches, business complexes, hotels, night clubs, funeral homes, sports complexes, colleges, schools, retail stores, cleaners, daycare and community centers, and newspapers…whatever we needed, we built it.  Did we have all the money we needed?  No!  Did we wait for the perfect opportunity? No!  We planned, we organized, we prayed, we worked together, we supported and did business with one another, we persevered, and we created powerful networks. 

In reflection of our foundation, we are reminded that history is also a learning tool; and as we use this tool to build for the future, the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce will create a new, stronger and productive history for tomorrow.  As our needs change, our perspective will change; as our membership’s business structure changes, we will discover new and innovative delivery systems; as we adopt new ideas, we will continue to make improvements; and as we continue to prosper, we will stay hungry for progress and continue to give the best professional services to our business and residential communities.  Economic development and commerce will be key as we target doing business with each other and work collectively.  We will make San Antonio a better place to live and do business as we strengthen our foundation, surging forward and flourishing together as we have done historically.  

Come and join our new history making venture, step up to make your 69 year old Chamber a more significant influence in the culture, economic matrix and fabric of San Antonio, Texas.