Rep. Sykes named the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County the Champions of the Week for #OH13!

Congresswoman Sykes named the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County and its co-founders, Robert DeJournett and Misty Beasley, as Ohio’s 13th Congressional District’s Champions of the Week. February 20, 2026 will mark the organization’s one-year anniversary serving our community. Akron’s Black population represents nearly one-third of the region, yet a 2017 Elevate Greater Akron report highlighted systemic exclusion from economic growth. Left unaddressed, this gap threatened innovation and prosperity across the region. Mr. DeJournett and Ms. Beasley created the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County to reverse that trend, enabling Black business owners to take their rightful place in the economic ecosystem. In its first year, the Chamber counseled small businesses on finances and website development, helped them compete for national resources, and connected local leaders to maximize growth.