PRESS & MEDIA
THE GREATER HARLEM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS:
"Building Small Businesses” Forum at National Urban League Headquarters
Pictured left to right – Steve Small, Vice President, Small Business Lending, LISC; Jonnel Doris, Chief Executive Office, StartCare; Moderator – Princess Jenkins, Founder, Chief Visionary, the Brownstone & Notable; Dwight Flynn, First Deputy Chief Business Diversity Office,
Mayor’s Office of MWBEs.
Judge Milton Tingling welcomes guests.
Cy Richardson, Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Programs.
Pictured Left to Right – Skip Dillard, GHCC Board Member, Brand Manager WXBK 94.7 The Block NYC; Shana Marks, Government & Community Relations, US Congressman Adriano Espaillat; Shatic Mitchell, Central Parks Conservancy, Community Board 10.
Pictured Left to Right – Rev. Dennis Dillard, Publisher, New York Christian Times; David Coreas, NYC Small Business Services; Tony Rogers, Harlem Tourism Board; Angelica Capistran, GiGi’s NYC; Michael Lee, Skynet; Dietrice Bolden, IMPACT Repertory Theatre; Winston Majette,
Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
HARLEM, NY (March 2, 2026) — On Thursday, February 26, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) brought together a dynamic assembly of entrepreneurs, financial leaders, and community change-makers for a critical forum entitled "Building Small Businesses: Access, Capital & Opportunity." Hosted at the National Urban League’s new state-of-the-art conference facility in Harlem, the event addressed the "last mile" of entrepreneurship—moving beyond survival to securing the capital necessary for true scaling.
Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the program opened with a warm welcome from Judge Milton Tingling, GHCC Board Member, and included warm greetings from Cy Richardson on behalf of the National Urban League. The forum culminated in a lively Q&A session, followed by closing remarks from Michele Scott, GHCC Interim Executive Director.
Moderated by Princess Jenkins, GHCC Board Member and founder of The Brownstone and Notable, the conversation highlighted the necessity of "being in the room" when decisions are being made. Jenkins also challenged the current landscape of micro-loans ($500–$2,500), noting that such amounts are often insufficient to foster real growth for Black and Brown women entrepreneurs, many of whom currently earn under $50,000 annually.
The panel discussions cut through the noise of traditional retail talk to address the systemic hurdles facing minority-owned businesses, specifically access to capital. A recurring theme was the urgent need for transparency and aggressive advocacy.
"Closed mouths don't get fed" became the rallying cry of the evening as panelists urged business owners to agitate for their needs. Steve Hall, VP of Small Business Lending at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), pressed attendees to “ask the hard questions” when sitting with bankers and to engage with financial institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) before reaching a state of financial crisis.
This sentiment was echoed by Dwight Flynn, First Deputy Chief Business Diversity Officer for the Mayor’s Office of M/WBE. During the event, Jenkins congratulated Flynn and the agency for a banner year. Under the former administration, the city made significant progress, awarding over $2.2 billion in contracts to M/WBEs in fiscal year 2025 and successfully pushing Albany to increase discretionary noncompetitive spending limits to $1.5 million. “The dollars are real, and the opportunities are there,” shared Flynn. “What we need is you”.
Beyond the balance sheet, a poignant segment of the forum focused on the mental health crisis affecting entrepreneurs post-COVID. Jonnel Doris, CEO of StartCare, shared that one in four New Yorkers suffers from mental health challenges, an issue exacerbated by the intense pressure of running a small business. The forum sent a clear message: prioritizing mental wellness is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity for sound decision-making and long-term business viability.
The afternoon concluded with a networking reception catered by Lucille’s Coffee & Cocktails, where attendees continued the conversation on how to bridge the gap between access and execution.
About The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce: The GHCC remains committed to the mission of improving the quality of life for all residents and developing quality business and professional services. As their motto states: "The Business of Business is People."
IMPACT Repertory Theatre: Bridging Communities Through Art and Solidarity
Lucille’s Coffee & Cocktails:
Redefining Community in Harlem
In the heart of Harlem, Lucille’s Coffee & Cocktails stands as much more than a culinary destination; it is an energetic community hub where the spirit of service is just as essential as the menu. Owned and operated by restaurateur Matthew Trebek, the establishment has spent years cultivating a reputation as a sanctuary for emerging artists and creatives.
By providing a safe and welcoming stage for self-expression, Lucille’s has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene. It currently serves as the home for the Harlem Bomb Shelter and Jazzmobile’s monthly Poetry & Soul set, while regularly filling its space with the soulful sounds of live jazz concerts and a rotating schedule of community-focused activities that bring the neighborhood together.
The mission of Lucille’s extends far beyond its four walls through a dedicated effort to combat local food insecurity. In partnership with St. Matthew's Church, the restaurant’s staff lovingly prepares over 200 nutritious meals every week.
“At Lucille's, we believe in feeding the community in every sense of the word,” shared Matthew. “We are proud to serve as a gathering place for Harlem's vibrant arts scene, and even prouder to partner with St. Matthew's Church to ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious meals every week."
The commitment to neighborly well-being is further exemplified by Lucille’s sponsorship of Project Art, an impactful community-wide program that addresses the educational gap for children who lack access to arts programming within their schools. By partnering with public libraries, the initiative provides free, high-quality art classes taught by resident teaching artists. This collaboration ensures that the next generation of Harlem’s creatives has the resources and mentorship necessary to develop their talents, reinforcing the restaurant’s role as a patron of both the culinary and visual arts.
Matthew Trebek’s influence on the community is also felt through his extensive civic leadership and his dedication to honoring his family’s legacy of education. In addition to his work with the restaurant, he serves on the board of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. One of his most personal contributions to the neighborhood is sponsoring the HARLEM WEEK Annual Alex Trebek Harlem Children’s Spelling Bee. Named in honor of his late father, the legendary TV host Alex Trebek, the event celebrates academic excellence and provides a platform for local youth to shine. At Lucille’s, the menu may bring people in, but the mission makes them stay.
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce & HARLEM WEEK
End of Year Reception Salutes A Year of Triumph Over Tribulation
HARLEM, NY — The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber) and HARLEM WEEK concluded a landmark year with their annual Holiday Reception, held at the elegant Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel. In partnership with Silk Hospitality, the festive affair served as a heartfelt "thank you" to the members, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and the Harlem community whose unwavering support fueled two organizations numerous successes in 2025.
The evening program kicked off with a warm, reflective welcome from Winston Majette, Executive Director of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, whose remarks echoed community resilience and the power of collaboration. He was followed by Jean Philippe, General Manager of The Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, who shared an emotional tribute to the Harlem community. Mr. Philippe requested a moment of silence in honor of the late Lloyd A. Williams, former President and CEO of The Chamber and founding member of HARLEM WEEK — a mentor, father figure, and friend to many — posthumously thanking Lloyd for "setting him up for success" within the neighborhood’s hospitality landscape.
The reception drew a distinguished crowd of civic leaders, including New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, New York State Assemblymen Al Taylor and Jordan Wright, and New York City Council members Gale Brewer and Yusef Salaam. Throughout the evening, invited guests mixed, mingled, and danced the night away to the grooving sounds of DJ Mitch. The festive energy was further heightened by a business card raffle, which featured premium prizes including a set of tickets to the hit Off-Broadway production, 44 The Musical, and an autographed copy of Champions for the Arts, the latest book by HARLEM WEEK Board Member Donna Walker-Kuhne.
The spirit of celebration over sorrow was further emphasized by Judge Milton Tingling, who moved the audience by noting the importance of joy alongside remembrance. "This year we’ve lost so many giants in our community — Lloyd Williams, Charles Rangel, Dr. Hazel Dukes, and Geoff Eaton — and had too much sadness," Judge Tingling remarked. "Let’s take a moment of celebration to honor their legacy that is kept alive in us all". Marko Nobles, HARLEM WEEK Second Vice Chair, closed the evening by asking for a moment of silence in honor of the passing of HARLEM WEEK Treasurer Barbara Burwell, a beloved “mother, sister, and auntie who will be deeply missed.”
The reception highlighted the Chamber's ongoing mission to foster economic development while maintaining Harlem’s world-renowned status as a hub for arts, culture, and tourism. As 2025 draws to a close, The Chamber and HARLEM WEEK look forward to a new year of growth, health initiatives, and community empowerment.
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber), established in 1896 as the Harlem Board of Commerce, is one of the longest-operating Chambers of Commerce in the United States. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all its residents, as well as to develop, attract, and retain quality businesses and professional services. Dedicated to promoting Harlem's world-renowned vitality in tourism, arts, culture, and economic development, The Chamber is best known as the founder and organizer of HARLEM WEEK, an annual celebration of the community's rich legacy. The National Urban Health Conference is a continuation of The Chamber's commitment to prioritizing health and wellness with the motto: “The Business of Business Is People.”
Most HARLEM WEEK 2025 performances, discussions and community forums are available to view via www.HARLEMWEEK.COM.
Harlem Chamber, Beyond Bedtime Gift “Good Nights” To Youth This Holiday
December 22, 2025
This holiday season, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) joined forces with Beyond Bedtime (formerly The Pajama Program) to distribute pajamas to children ages 1 through 12 in the Harlem community.
Recognizing that healthy sleep is the foundation for a child’s success, GHCC mobilized its network of community-based organizations to ensure that children facing the greatest adversity receive resources that can support them. To facilitate the distribution, the Chamber reached out to key partners including the Harlem YMCA, GiGi’s Playhouse, The Salvation Army in Harlem, Salem United Methodist Church, Harlem Mother’s Father’s S.A.V.E., and others to help spread Beyond Bedtime’s sleep equity message throughout the neighborhood.
OP-ED: Lloyd Williams: With the ancestors, yes, but forever in Harlem
by Herb Boyd January 8, 2026
In last week’s edition of the AmNews we repeated our salutes to Charles Rangel and Hazel Dukes, two notable New Yorkers who joined the ancestors. Continuing our extended praise song, I offer this one in memory of Lloyd Williams, who was inseparably linked to Mr. Rangel and Ms. Dukes.
Hardly a momentous occasion in Harlem went by without the trio headlining it. I met Lloyd first in the late 80s during a book signing, and he approached me and asserted, “So, you think you’re all that, huh?” I was momentarily stunned by the comment but was instantly relieved by his smile and warm embrace.
Lloyd, as many of his friends and associates knew, had a way of unbalancing and then charming you. After this rather abrupt introduction, he asked me to autograph several of my books, “and bring three to my office this week.”
From that beginning, more than 40 years ago, our relationship evolved into a productive one in which he secured my services, mainly as a co-writer on many of his projects. There was a precision in his editing skills that consistently elevated and refined whatever assignment we engaged.
Our friendship congealed further when I traveled with him and others to Martinique in 2015, where we were part of a diplomatic and commercial delegation representing the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce. Whether in conversation with the nation’s leaders or with vendors in the various shops, Lloyd was as commanding as he was gregarious. I never had any doubts about his leadership capability, and what he had done in Harlem was demonstrated abroad. Our last collaboration, along with other writers, was a sequel, of sorts, to “Forever Harlem,” a dream project we worked tirelessly on.
In many respects, this unpublished tome was his magnum opus, his tribute to a community he served unstintingly. Somehow, someway, one day it will stand as a testament to his commitment to Harlem, his love for its people, and its promise. During the holidays, I received a card from his family, emblazoned with a wonderful, smiling portrait of Lloyd, which now graces a mantel in my living room. Each day, when I walk by it, I can almost hear him saying, “Did you finish the story yet?”
Not yet, Lloyd, but I’m working on it.
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Marathon Runners to Harlem By Hazel Rosetta Smith
The temperature was appropriate, the winds had ceased, and the runners were soaring throughout the five boroughs of New York. It was the annual marathon of committed citizens fulfilling their hope of completing the 26.2 miles from the starting line on Staten Island to the finish line in Central Park.
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) continued their annual partnership with New York Road Runners in welcoming the international community of marathon athletes and advocates along blocks from 135th Street down to 96th Street on Fifth Avenue.
This portion of the marathon is named to honor the iconic civic rights leader and businessman Percy Sutton who was instrumental in establishing the TCS New York City Marathon as a five-borough event.
On Marathon Sunday, November 2, 2025, the Greater Harlem Chamber operated four spectacular stages: Stage 1 at East 135th Street & Fifth Avenue – Gospel & Spiritual Live Performances, saluting the music of Hezekiah Walker & Erica Campbell; Stage 2 at East 135th Street & Fifth Avenue featured the Best of R&B and Hip Hop, saluting the music of Busta Rhymes & Angie Stone; Stage 3 featured The Sound of Harlem at West 121st Street & Mt. Morris Park West, celebrating the music of Quincy Jones & Roberta Flack, and Stage 4 – Latin & Caribbean-The Beat of the African Diaspora at West 117th Street & Fifth Avenue, saluting the music of Eddie Palmieri and Rita Marley.
From my advantage, the tent located at 124th Street & Fifth Avenue, where the runners made a historic 22-mile marker turn, the music was popping from the sensational sounds of Uptown Royalty NYC’s husband and wife team, Jodi Music and Ron Renaissance, artists of Lewis and Kirk Music.
Winston Majette of GHCC was on point in his usual welcoming spirit introducing notables who stopped by that included: City Councilmember Yusef Salaam, Assemblyman Jordan Wright, Jackie Rowe Adams of Harlem Mothers & Fathers S.A.V.E., and others.
It was another great day to be in Harlem, to cheer on the runners, to laugh and enjoy the company of community and to thank the Greater Chamber of Harlem for their ongoing community outreach and service.
Our hearts were sadden remembering the recent passing of Lloyd Williams, the Chamber’s longtime, most admirable leader, but our hope was confirmed on this day that his good work was not in vain, GHCC is alive and well. Touche.
National Urban League Empowerment Center Ribbon Cutting
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) recently joined our member the National Urban League’s (NUL), President & CEO Marc H. Morial (center, holding scissors) for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of their Urban League Empowerment Center headquarters at 117 West 125th Street in Harlem, USA. Morial is joined here by key agency partners, including GHCC Executive Director Winston Majette and Senior Associate Dietrice Bolden.
The Urban League Empowerment Center (ULEC) is a landmark $242 million development that brings the NUL's national headquarters back to Harlem. It embodies the NUL's mission of economic empowerment, equity, and justice by featuring affordable housing, office space for nonprofits, retail, and the forthcoming Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem.
Harlem's Holcombe Rucker Park to be named a national commemorative site
Rucker Park in Harlem is one of the most famous basketball courts in the world. As CBS News New York's Allen Devlin reports, a new congressional act enshrines the park not only as a piece of basketball history but American history.Jan 9, 2025
