Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce

04/09/2026

Outstanding…you always make us proud!

03/20/2026

Outstanding news for this long-time supporter of the QCAACC!

Major News! The all-new Hollywood Casino Aurora will officially open its doors on June 24, 2026.

This new state-of-the-art property will feature an upscale hotel, more than 1,200 gaming positions, a retail sportsbook, outdoor entertainment area, full-service spa, world class dining experiences, and a 12,000 square foot event center.

Premium dining options include the previously-announced Sorella by Giada, in partnership with celebrity chef and entrepreneur Giada de Laurentiis, and the Boulevard Food & Drink Hall, operated by McClain Camarota Hospitality, featuring Stephanie Izard’s Lucky Goat, Five50 pizza, and Chicago favorites Antique Taco and Pretty Cool Ice Cream.

This will be the second all-new PENN property to open in the Chicagoland region following the grand opening of the land-based Hollywood Casino Joliet in August 2025.

Read More: https://bit.ly/47bhCS9

03/04/2026

The QCAACC family mourns the lost of one of its founding members, Larry Thomas of LT’s Chicken & Fish restaurant. Located on Aurora, IL west side at 855 W. Illinois Avenue, LT’s for decades provided catering and southern style Soul food carry-out. Our condolences to the Thomas family. He leaves a great legacy…

02/24/2026

Come out and be part of this magnificent event. You won't want to miss it.

01/30/2026

Please join us!!!

Aurora Regional Economic Alliance is amplifying Black-owned businesses for Black History Month!

The Black Business Spotlight is a dynamic morning of storytelling, collaboration, and connection hosted at Latrice Murphy Design and Photography with catering provided by an Aurora favorite, JJNMeMe's Custom Meals on Wheels!

✓ Tuesday, Feb 17
✓ 9:00–11:30 AM
✓ 62 S. River Street Aurora IL
✓ FREE for Members/ $35 Non-Members

Extra visibility for your business is available at this event! Upgrade to a Business Showcase Ticket and get speaking time, promotional space, and online publicity.

$60 Members/ $60 Non-Members (limited availability!)

Register at https://bit.ly/AREABBS

12/29/2025

📚 Join Us for an Important Conversation
The GRIOT African American Book Discussion series presents "Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers & the Love Story That Awakened America" by Joy-Ann Reid.
This powerful New York Times bestseller explores the extraordinary love story and civil rights legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers - a testament to courage, partnership, and the fight for justice that continues to resonate today.
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Santori Library - Room 305 & Virtual via Zoom
Whether you're interested in civil rights history, powerful love stories, or important conversations about America's past and present, this discussion offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with our community.
Attending in person or joining virtually? Both options available!
Hosted by Aurora Public Library District

12/26/2025

Oh yes! We believe in recognizing!

❤️🖤💚 TOP 25 MOMENTS OF 2025 – DAY 18: THE LARGEST GATHERING OF BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS IN AURORA IN RECENT HISTORY.

During Black Business Month in August, Fox Valley Mall became the epicenter of Black excellence as the largest gathering of Black business owners in recent Aurora history convened under one roof.

⭐️Organized by Aurora in Black, the SALUTE TO BLACK BUSINESSES CEREMONY served as the powerful culminating event of a monthlong social media campaign that SPOTLIGHTED MORE THAN 100 BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES across Aurora.

🏆Business owners from every corner of the City of Lights were celebrated, representing diverse industries, from newly launched ventures to legacy businesses that have been thriving for decades. Each entrepreneur was honored with a Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging their contributions to Aurora’s economy and culture.

🥂🎉✂️CHAMPAGNE & CONFETTI: The celebration reached its peak with a collective champagne toast honoring Black entrepreneurs who dared to dream, believe, and achieve. Confetti filled the air as the community celebrated the opening of two Black-owned businesses at Fox Valley Mall: The Soul Spot and Kathryn’s Place.

❤️🖤💚THIS MOMENT WASN’T JUST AN EVENT, IT WAS AN AFFIRMATION OF BLACK BUSINESS PROGRESS AND POSSIBILITIES IN AURORA.

🙏🏾Special thanks to Kristina Arias, Senior Marketing Director at Fox Valley Mall, for her collaboration on this venture.
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✅BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS: If you missed the ceremony, join the movement! Add your info to the Black Business Directory and connect with 100+ other entrepreneurs ➡️ www.tinyurl.com/BlackOwned2025
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📺Watch Fox 32 News: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HKk3Rz2Zg/

📹Watch ABC 7 News: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AUAXke3uZ/

📸See Photos of the Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17a1xEf6pt/





City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board
Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce
Quad County Urban League
Aurora Regional Economic Alliance
Black News
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