Tangipahoa Regional Black Business Chamber of Commerce

Written by Nick Gagliano | Photo by Johnny Chauvin

During Paulette Walker’s 37 years in the Orleans, St John the Baptist, and Tangipahoa Parish schools, she was frequently approached by African American women selling their handmade soaps, crafts, and fashions.

“I met some really talented women, and I have always tried to support them by purchasing their items,” said Walker.

While working in Tangipahoa Parish in 2020, she realized these women did not have a peer business network to help mentor, grow, and promote their small businesses.

“I was amazed we had over 50 womanowned vendors at the Expo at the Heritage Center. I knew we could help women, but I suddenly realized other businesses owned by African American men needed the same type of networking and support system.”

It was then that she created the Tangipahoa African American Women’s Network. Walker’s first project for the newly formed group was to organize a Business Expo at the Tangipahoa Parish African American Heritage Center.

It was then that the African American Women’s Network morphed into the Tangipahoa Regional Black Business Chamber of Commerce.

Today the Black Chamber of Commerce is growing with a base of 25 active members. The Chamber is a network that offers services, resources, and events that assist business owners. Additionally, the Black Chamber is an organization investing their time and money in a community development program working together to improve the economic, civic, and cultural well-being of the region.

As part of their mission, the Black Chamber of Commerce sponsors four events each year to promote their businesses and support the African American Heritage Center.

The Boss Women Big Hat Tea was held on March 12, and it was a huge success. Women from all over the community proudly modeled their big, exquisite hats and fashion accessories.

In June, the Black Chamber of Commerce will host Men in Black for the first time. The objective of this gathering is to have Black men present several topics to Black teenage boys on the importance of social skills, appropriate business dress and interpersonal relationships.

A Winter Formal is again scheduled for later in the year. This black-tie event was a success last year, and Walker is looking for an even better event this year.

The Chamber’s largest event is the Krewe of Nizhoni Mardi Gras Parade in Ponchatoula, with this year's being the biggest one yet.

“Our goal with the parade is to have Black businesses in the parade so the general public is exposed to their businesses and later visit that business to support them by buying their products.”

As the Black Chamber continues to grow, Walker invites everyone to join them and actively participate in the Chamber.

“In just two short years, we have accomplished quite a bit. The future for black-owned businesses in our community looks very bright. We will continue to support, promote, and showcase the talented women and men who have the entrepreneurial spirit in our region.”

For more information on the Tangipahoa Regional Black Business Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website at www.trbchamber.org.