1.  Last Call for Changing of the Chairs RSVP: This February 7 event at the Washington, DC Four Seasons is free to registrants.  We will accept RSVP’s until the close of business February 3.  RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2. Botswana is Beginning to Rock: Our past trade mission to this beautiful nation is starting to bare “fruit”.  Several big deals are now in play.  There will be a contingent of Botswanan entrepreneurs coming to our 20^th Annual Convention in Atlanta in search of joint venturing on identified projects with our members.  In fact, we will kick off the convention with a segment entitled “Botswana Day”.  A formal MOU between the two chambers will be executed at this event. They are motivated; we are motivated and big things are happening.

3.  KUDOS for Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce: We want to congratulate our inaugural church chamber of commerce for their 1^st Annual Convention Expo and Job Fair.  It was the “Pride of Houston”. This chapter has become viable and a role model for church chambers around the world.  One of the esteemed guests was Pastor George Ndhawa from Nairobi, Kenya.  Pastor George leads 22 church chambers and he is just beginning.

4.  Great Event in Atlanta: Equally, we would like to congratulate our Georgia African American Chamber of Commerce for their 14^th Annual Prayer Breakfast.  Well attended and honored with the presence of Congressman John Lewis who spent quality time with us and offered his frank wisdom.  Keep it up President Anna Henderson!

5. Tuskegee Airmen Finally get Their Just Recognition: We want to sincerely thank film magnate George Lucas for having the commitment, courage and resilience to produce the movie “Red Tails”.  So many stories in the past cut short the actual heroics of these brave warriors.  Also, we thank Ebony Magazine for, once again, recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen.  Get the February 2012 issue of Ebony and turn to page 3.  There you will see the picture of the original 5 Tuskegee Airmen.  One of whom is named Charles H. DeBow Jr.  This bona fide American hero flew 52 combat missions into Nazi Luftwaffe skies.  This hero permitted me to marry his beautiful daughter.  We presented him with twin grandsons four years later.  That is how I remember him:  Sitting in our family room watching the twins play at his feet.  His smile spoke volumes.