The Business Leadership Council

The Business Leadership Council Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Business Leadership Council, Public & Government Service, 150 N Michigan Avenue Suite 2400, Chicago, IL.

The mission of the Business Leadership Council is to influence equitable policies and business practices that increase economic opportunity for the betterment of the Black community. The Business Leadership Council was formed after several prominent corporate professionals and entrepreneurs came together to pool their resources and put forth a unified voice. The group realized that the African Ame

rican business community needed a representative voice to advocate for economic parity, effective political representation and social issues affecting the African American community. The Business Leadership Council advocates to key government officials, top tier public and private corporations and government supported institutions about the importance of substantially increasing the business opportunities afforded African American business owners and corporate professionals who in turn will bring the jobs and contracts to the community.

Business Leadership Council PresentsBlack Women’s Expo | Main Stage, McCormick PlaceFriday, July 31st 1:30 PM – 2:30 PMM...
07/28/2026

Business Leadership Council Presents
Black Women’s Expo | Main Stage, McCormick Place
Friday, July 31st 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Minding Our Business: Part II
The Wealth Playbook

Building Businesses. Securing Capital. Creating Legacy.
BWe 2026 - The Black Women’s Expo Chicago
Panelists:
Corliss Garner – Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Old National Bank
Kimberly Haney – Deputy Chief Credit Officer, First Independence Bank
Keeana Barber – CEO, WDB Marketing
Tiffany Odeh,  Senior Community Reinvestment Outreach Manager, BMO Harris
Calmetta Coleman. Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Urban League
Sibyl Holloway, Founder of SIB’s Breakfast Club and Co-owner Crossover Grill
Moderator: Keiana Barrett-Williams. CEO, Business Leadership Council

The Business Leadership Council proudly congratulates RaMona Westbrook, Founder and Principal of Brook Architecture and ...
07/14/2026

The Business Leadership Council proudly congratulates RaMona Westbrook, Founder and Principal of Brook Architecture and a valued BLC member, on her nomination by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve on the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners.

RaMona’s nomination is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional leadership, distinguished career, and unwavering commitment to shaping stronger communities. With more than three decades of experience in architecture, planning, and community development, she has consistently championed thoughtful design, sustainable development, and equitable access to quality housing.

Her extensive expertise in the built environment, coupled with her passion for creating vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods, will bring an important perspective to the CHA as it advances its mission to expand affordable housing and improve the quality of life for Chicago residents.

The BLC is proud to endorse RaMona’s nomination and is confident she will serve with distinction, integrity, and vision. We look forward to the meaningful impact she will make in strengthening neighborhoods, advancing housing opportunities, and helping shape a more equitable future for our city.

Congratulations to BLC Members Natasha Jenkins & Dee Atkins on Being Nominated  to Serve on the Northern Illinois Transi...
07/08/2026

Congratulations to BLC Members Natasha Jenkins & Dee Atkins on Being Nominated  to Serve on the Northern Illinois Transit Authority(NITA) board.

The Business Leadership Council proudly applauds Attorney Natasha Jenkins of Clark Hill and Dee Atkins, Chief of Community Engagement and Equity of Thresholds on being nominated by Mayor Brandon Johnson to serve on the new regional transit board, NITA, which will oversee mass transit throughout the Chicago region.

This distinguished opportunity reflects your leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing our communities through public service. Your voices and vision will help shape the future of regional transportation for generations to come.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. We are proud to support your leadership and look forward to the lasting impact you will make.

Joy to the World- BLC Members continue to add value to proportions.Congratulations to our very own Joy Williams on a rem...
07/07/2026

Joy to the World- BLC Members continue to add value to proportions.

Congratulations to our very own Joy Williams on a remarkable string of accomplishments! From award-winning kitchen and furniture designs to being featured in Luxe Magazine and published in leading interior design books, Joy continues to set the standard for excellence.

We’re proud to celebrate your success and can’t wait to see what’s next. Congratulations, Joy!

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of George E. Johnson—visionary entrepreneur, enterprise a...
07/07/2026

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of George E. Johnson—visionary entrepreneur, enterprise architect, and champion of intentional collaboration.

From transforming the beauty industry through Johnson Products Company to creating opportunities that reached from Soul Train to Wall Street, Mr. Johnson exemplified the courage, innovation, and business excellence required not only to build iconic enterprises, but to expand pathways for Black ownership, leadership, and economic inclusion.

The Business Leadership Council is profoundly grateful to have learned from and been inspired by Mr. Johnson’s example. We remain committed to advancing the principles he so powerfully embodied: Black excellence, cooperative economics, strategic partnerships, and building businesses that create both wealth and lasting community impact.

We encourage everyone to watch N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman scholarly interview with Mr. Johnson, where he reflects on his life’s assignment, leadership philosophy, and remarkable journey. His wisdom continues to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Thank you, George E. Johnson, for your bold vision, unwavering resolve, and unmatched championship of Black enterprise. Your legacy will continue to light the path forward.

https://lnkd.in/gYT96SHB

Congratulations to our very own BLC members—Bowa Construction, Ujamaa Construction, Brown & Momen, and Powers & Sons Con...
06/19/2026

Congratulations to our very own BLC members—Bowa Construction, Ujamaa Construction, Brown & Momen, and Powers & Sons Construction—for helping bring the Obama Presidential Center to life from the ground up.

This landmark project stands as a testament to the countless hands, countless hours, and shared commitment required to build something meaningful for Chicago and the South Side community. Their craftsmanship, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting fingerprint on a project that will inspire generations to come.

We are proud to celebrate their contributions to this historic achievement and the legacy they have helped create.

Happy Juneteenth!As we honor the resilience, sacrifice, and achievements of those who came before us, we also look ahead...
06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth!

As we honor the resilience, sacrifice, and achievements of those who came before us, we also look ahead with purpose. The future will be shaped by our willingness to collaborate, support one another, and invest in the growth of our own communities and businesses.

Let today serve as a reminder that our greatest opportunities are created when we build together. The work continues, the possibilities are endless, and the future is ours to shape.

06/18/2026

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we are inspired by the leadership and vision of BLC Founder Melody Spann Cooper and the team at Midway Broadcasting.

Through initiatives like the Chicago Read-In, they continue to create spaces where young people can discover their voices, embrace their talents, and see themselves reflected in stories of possibility and achievement.

This work is a powerful reminder that investing in our youth, our stories, and our communities helps build pathways for future generations to thrive.

We applaud Midway Broadcasting for its continued commitment to impact, opportunity, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

Congratulations to our very own BLC member, Wheeler Coleman, and the entire EC-United team on celebrating 10 years of ex...
06/18/2026

Congratulations to our very own BLC member, Wheeler Coleman, and the entire EC-United team on celebrating 10 years of excellence!

Over the past decade, EC-United has built a reputation as a trusted technology partner, delivering innovative solutions, fostering strong partnerships, and creating lasting impact for clients nationwide.

We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to all that EC-United will accomplish in the years ahead. Here’s to 10 years of success—and the next chapter of growth and innovation.

This week, the Business Leadership Council is proud to support the 2026 Rainbow PUSH Annual Conference, Fulfilling the A...
06/10/2026

This week, the Business Leadership Council is proud to support the 2026 Rainbow PUSH Annual Conference, Fulfilling the American Promise.

From June 10–13, leaders, advocates, business professionals, and changemakers from across the country will come together for meaningful conversations centered on equity, opportunity, leadership, and progress.

We are especially proud to see our very own BLC CEO, Keiana Barrett, take the stage tomorrow to lend her voice and expertise to these important discussions.
In addition to impactful panel discussions and networking opportunities, attendees can participate in live podcast interviews and engage with some of the nation’s leading voices across business, civic engagement, and public service.

Conference registration remains free and open to the public. Join the conversation and be part of a gathering dedicated to fulfilling the American Promise.

Address

150 N Michigan Avenue Suite 2400
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13124022171

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