By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
In celebration of Black History Month, the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and the California Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) recognized 16 honorees at the annual Black Business Brunch on Feb. 10 at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento.
The small business owners from every corner of the state were recognized for their entrepreneurship, contributions to their respective communities, and vital roles in improving California’s economic landscape.
The proprietors were chosen by members of the CLBC and CBCC. They were honored on the Assembly floor at the State Capitol later that afternoon.
“We gather here today to honor the incredible African American, small business owners of California,” Jay King, President and CEO of CBCC, told California Black Media. “We have to show them some love because they are the heart and soul of our communities. Their tireless work and unwavering dedication show what it means to be leaders”
CLBC members Sen. Laura Richardson (D-Los Angeles), Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton) presented awards to respective honorees.
Assemblymembers Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego), and Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) also paid homage to Black business leaders.
CLBC chair Sen. Akilah Weber (D-San Diego) was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. CLBC Vice Chair Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) spoke on her behalf.
“While we recognize you today, you are recognized in your communities every single day,” Bryan told the honorees. “We need you and we rely on you. You were not just picked at random (to receive this award).”
Featured speakers at the brunch were California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), was also present at the annual brunch.
Omishakin’s message was brief, highlighting ways the state helps support Black small businesses. The Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) allocates substantial amounts each year to finance construction projects started by state and local governments, public transit agencies and airport authorities.
Omshakin said Caltrans’s most important tool for meeting its commitment to inclusion of minority-owned businesses has been its Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) program. Small businesses must be DBE-certified to receive state funding.
Caltrans ensures that firms competing for state-assisted contracts for these projects are not disadvantaged by unlawful discrimination. In fiscal year 2022-2023, nearly $1 billion was awarded to small businesses in the state. African American small businesses received about $40 million, leaving “money on the table,” Omishakin said.
“That’s hundreds of millions of dollars,” Omishakin said about possible procurement opportunities for Black businesses. “There’s a lot of work still to do, with Caltrans and other places, to make sure that African American and Latino owned firms get more opportunities to get that work.”
CLBC member, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson), was presented with the Chairman’s Award for his significant leadership in fostering economic empowerment and his dedication to his constituents in the 65th Assembly District.
The Legacy and Literacy Leadership Award was bestowed upon Georgia “Mother Rose” Peat West, the founder and owner of Underground Books in Sacramento.
West passed away in December. Her son, Ronnie West, accepted the award on her behalf.
The year’s business honorees were Nelson German (alaMar Kitchen and Bar); Jonathan Kinnard (Coffee del Mondo); Brad Cooper (Coop’s West BBQ); Victor Headley (Every Little Thing Jamaican); Eugene Bennett (Grocery Outlet Bargain Market); Marques McCammon (Karma Automotive); Joseph Cannon (KJ’s Barber and Hair Creationz); and Jauneice Munoz (La Casa Azul Design).
