Black businesses owners honored by lawmakers, chamber

By Antonio Ray Harvey 

Contributing Writer

SACRAMENTO — The California Legislative Black Caucus and the California Black Chamber of Commerce celebrated Black-owned businesses from across the state at its 2024 Legislative Business Brunch, held at the Citizen Hotel Feb. 12.

The event, part of the Legislative Black Caucus’ Black History Month celebrations, honored business owners for their outstanding achievements, impact on communities, enduring legacy and high level of professionalism.

Jay King, president and CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Black Caucus Chair Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, D-Suisun City, and Vice Chair state Sen. Steven Bradford, D-Inglewood, hosted the event.

King cited the award recipients for their hard work, dedication, perseverance and tenacity. 

“These are but a few of the attributes that must be on display at all times for Black business to survive,” he said.

This year’s Black History Month business awardees included Flawless Cutz and Stylez (Bakersfield); Imperial Electric Service (Fresno); OC Podiatry (Orange); Seashells Realty Group (San Jose); SER Transportation Services (Sacramento); Chez Soul (Fairfield); Beauchamp Distributing Company (Compton); BLK Girl Greenhouse (Oakland); South LA Café (Los Angeles); D.R. Roberts Event Management (Oakland); Sal’s Gumbo Shack (Long Beach); Leading Edge Learning Center (Moreno Valley); Woody’s Bar-B-Que (Los Angeles); Urban Roots Brewery and Smokehouses (Sacramento); Detour Hair Studios and Earle’s Restaurant (Los Angeles); and Spacebar Café (La Mesa).

One of the oldest Black businesses in the state, Woods-Valentine Mortuary of Pasadena, received special recognition for its longevity and contributions to its community. The mortuary was established by James and Annie Mae Woods in 1928 in the area now known as Old Pasadena.

Fred Valentine and his brothers were employed by the mortuary. Then, in 1958, Valentine and his wife, Arzella J. Valentine, purchased the business and renamed it Woods-Valentine.

Valentine died at the age of 98 in 2017. Their daughters Janyce Valentine and Gail Valentine-Taylor now operate the business with their 97-year-old mother, who was present at the brunch.

“I’ve known this family for about 40 years. I am so proud of this family,” said Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), who represents the area where the Woods-Valentine business is located.

While growing up, Holden said he learned about the 96-year-old mortuary business through one of the most effective forms of advertising in the Black community: church hand-held cooling fans.

Holden reflected on how the fans, for decades, were an important medium for information and advertising in Black communities across the United States for businesses like insurance companies, funeral homes, law firms, car dealerships and more.

State Controller Malia M. Cohen was the keynote speaker, and she was presented with the Legislative Black Caucus’ Chair Award. Tara Lynn Gray, the director of California Office of the Small Business Advocate, also delivered remarks.

Toks Omishakin, state Secretary of Transportation, was a guest.

“As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to fostering an environment where Black businesses can thrive and continue to be meaningful to the economic landscape of California,” Assemblywoman Wilson said. “We continue to look forward to continuing our collaboration with the California Black Chamber of Commerce and stakeholders dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black-owned businesses.”

King urged the business owners to continue to be exemplars and beacons of hope for other Black entrepreneurs and companies in the state.

“The business owners you see here have survived many obstacles and barriers, have been denied access to capital and other necessary resources to succeed, and have been told ‘no,’” King said. “But we say today, ‘thank you’ and ‘we appreciate you,’ with the hopes that they must carry the message: don’t quit and keep pushing.”

Antonio Ray Harvey is a reporter for California Black Media.