ABOUT US
Founded in 1935 as the city’s first black civic organization, the GHBC has evolved into an active participant in the City of Houston’s socioeconomic process. We look with excitement to the future and invite you to be a part of the growth and innovation in the nation’s fourth largest metropolitan city.
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Black Population
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The GHBC is the “go-to” organization for business development and community outreach partnership opportunities in the Houston Black community. We are a 501(c)(6), not-for-profit, private, member-driven organization that serves the Greater Houston Area. The GHBC is dedicated to supporting Black small businesses in education, certification, and accessing contracting opportunities and capital.
The Chamber has earned Houston’s trust and has built solid alliances with pivotal organizations to ensure it is providing accessible resources to its members and the business community.
Volunteer
The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in the GHBC. We welcome those who want to connect, mentor, and inspire other business owners.
Vision
To be the premier and trusted “go-to” organization for Black business development and community outreach partnerships in the Greater Houston region—leading the growth of Black enterprise, leadership, and generational wealth.
Values
The GHBC is dedicated to supporting Black small businesses in the areas of education, certification, and accessing contracting opportunities & capital.
HISTORY
Founded in September 1935, the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC) is the second-oldest Black chamber of commerce in the United States and Houston’s first Black civic business organization. Established by visionary leaders including J.E. Robinson, Chas. A. Shaw, R.O. Lanier, and others, the organization was created to advocate for Black-owned businesses and promote the civic, economic, and social welfare of Houston’s Black community.
Originally known as the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce, the organization operated from the historic Pilgrim Temple building before establishing a permanent home in Houston’s Third Ward in 1963. In 1964, under President Mack H. Hannah Jr., the Chamber became the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, reflecting its expanding role in civic and economic advocacy. In 2013, it rebranded as the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce to better represent its regional impact and modern mission.
Throughout its 90-year history, GHBC has played a critical role in advancing Black economic participation—supporting business development, promoting fair employment and housing practices, facilitating international trade, fostering leadership development, and serving as a trusted partner to public and private institutions. Today, GHBC remains a cornerstone of Houston’s business ecosystem, continuing its legacy of resilience, advocacy, and Black wealth creation.
The organization also encouraged residents to pay their poll taxes in order to become eligible to vote, promoted fair housing and employment practices, contributed to international commerce, and held contests, better business forums, and banquets to motivate the African-American community. During World War II, their office served as a rations headquarters. A Junior Chamber was organized in 1942. The chamber also provided platforms for national leaders and partnered with government programs.
In 1964, under the leadership of Mack H. Hannah, Jr., the chamber changed its name to the Houston Citizens Chamber Of Commerce (HCCC). As the Chamber membership evolved, in 2013 the chamber rebranded its look and name to the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (GHBC).
Women have been actively involved in the HNCC since its formation and held offices as early as 1957. In 2014, GHBC appointed Vernita B. Harris as its first female Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Today, the GHBC continues to represent the interests of and promote greater unity among the African-American
business community. Holding true to our mission to both secure and retain a broad and diverse base of members that
reflect the culture of the Greater Houston community and provide financial and volunteer
resources to implement the Chamber’s initiatives.
BUSINESSES THRIVE IN COMMUNITY. JOIN US AND GROW TOGETHER.
Join the GHBC community, where hundreds of diverse Black business owners connect, collaborate, and thrive in Houston's innovative market.