African American Chamber of Commerce Greater Racine

10/06/2026

Celebrating the 6th Annual Racine Lakefront Expo & Honoring Our Legacy Tribute! The African American Chamber of Commerce Greater Racine extends our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who helped make the 6th Annual Racine Lakefront Expo & Honoring Our Legacy Tribute, held on October 3rd, a wonderful community event!

We sincerely thank all of our vendors, program participants and community partners for your support and participation.

🌟 Special thanks to our program participants:
• LaWanda Miller for a wonderful UNCF presentation
•Kenny Harper amazing presentation
• Nick Demske, Executive Director, Racine Public Library
• Ralph Malicki, Racine County Executive
• Valena Coleman, Racine County Board Supervisor, District 1
• Alderman Malik Frazier, Racine District 1
• Christopher Bogan, Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
• Attorney Adrienne Moore, Board Chair, Professional Women’s Network for Service
• Reverend Merdis Hudson, President, NAACP Racine Branch
• Tae Kwon Do of Racine for an amazing presentation and demonstration!

🏆 Congratulations to Pastor Melvin Hargrove, recipient of the 2026 Honoring Our Legacy Tribute! Thank you for your years of leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening our community. This recognition is well deserved!

A very special appreciation to our incredible AACCGR Board of Directors, Lakefront Expo Committee, Expo Sponsors and Volunteers, whose hard work and dedication made this event possible.

We also extend a special thank you to our outstanding MC, Dr. LaToya Thurmond, for helping keep our program moving with excellence and style!

Expo Co-Hosts & Sponsors:
•AACCGR
•Racine Public Library
•Racine County
•RCEDC
•Professional Women’s Network for Service
•NAACP Racine Branch

When organizations, businesses, and community leaders come together, we strengthen our community and create opportunities for generations to come. We look forward to seeing you at the 7th Annual Racine Lakefront Expo & Honoring Our Legacy Tribute!

10/02/2026

Dr. LaToya R. Thurmond has a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, is the founder and CEO of LaPre Enterprise, a Learning Success Coach, adjunct instructor at Gateway Technical College, and a AACCGR Board Member. Her work has brought early childhood services, family support and jobs to Racine and Kenosha Counties for more than twenty years. In 2009 the Small Business Administration named her Young Entrepreneur of the Year for both Southeast Wisconsin and the Midwest Region.

At the Get Set Summit 2026 she is hosting a table talk called Building Beyond the Business: What Does Your Business Need From You Now?

It is a small table and a candid conversation. When is it time to adjust the blueprint. When do you stop doing it all yourself and start developing other people. What has to change, and what has to be released, for the business to keep growing.

Sunday, October 18th, doors at 12:30, sessions 1 to 6 PM Monday, October 19th, 4 to 7 PM New Omega Church, 5731 Northwestern Ave, Racine Tickets $35

Register at portal.staciathompson.com/summit.

10/01/2026

09/04/2026

We wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! On Labor Day, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses that continue to strengthen our communities and drive economic growth.

Enjoy the holiday weekend! ❤️🤍💙

09/03/2026

The Business Council is able to offer 15 more slots as scholarship! Please inbox [email protected] for more info- they’re going fast!

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Research shows experience can drive startup success, yet women over 50 still face both age and gender bias.

08/14/2026

With profound sadness, African American Chamber of Commerce Greater Racine (AACCGR) joins the many hearts mourning the passing of Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Renee Sartin Kirby, their family, church family, and all whose lives were touched by Bishop Kirby’s faith,leadership, and service.

Please join us in keeping them lifted in prayer during this difficult time. May Bishop Kirby rest in eternal peace, and may God’s love and comfort surround all who mourn.

08/03/2026

August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize, celebrate, and support the incredible contributions of Black-owned businesses to our communities and our economy.

Every purchase, referral, review, and share helps strengthen local businesses, create jobs, and build lasting generational wealth. Let’s be intentional about investing in entrepreneurs who bring innovation, excellence, and opportunity to our neighborhoods.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact, not just this month, but all year long.

Support. Empower. Elevate.

07/04/2026

Author and AACCGR Board Member Dr. LaToya Thurmond.