The need for progressive economic growth in urban communities and the shortage of successful black owned businesses in the San Joaquin Valley created the need for a special organization.

After some observations and discussions a group of concerned African American men and women met to discuss the needs of the urban community as they relate to economic development, commercial and industrial outlook for the San Joaquin Valley.

In September of 1999, at the request of Kenneth Blackwood and Earlena Morris, a meeting to form a task force was organized at the African American Museum with the support of Ruby White and Keith Kelley. The task force consisted of Kenneth Blackwood, Earlena Morris, Patricia Ratliff, Ali Morris, Darrell Hunter, DonPreyel Martin, Bobby Cowings, Michelle Thomas, Richard Midgett, and Valerie McCollum-Glass. In December of 1999, the task force elected a board of directors. The task force disbanded after transferring power to the Board of Directors.

The San Joaquin Black Chamber of Commerce was incorporated December 1, 2000. The Chamber's primary focus is to serve as an advocate for the creation, development, growth and general welfare of African American businesses in the San Joaquin Valley.

In January 2001 the Greater Fresno Chamber of Commerce and its leaders agreed to lease us office space in their building at 2331 Fresno Street in Fresno, California. Our organization's first planning retreat on February 10, 2001 was facilitated by Prof. Ida Jones from the Craig School of Business, California State University, Fresno, California. We also established our affiliation with the California Black Chamber of Commerce in Sacramento. This marked a new beginning for the organization.

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