Kern Black Chamber

08/19/2026

We are just under a few weeks away from our upcoming business mixer and expo at Motor City Lexus of Bakersfield register today this is a FREE event!

We are looking forward to hosting the Kern Black Chamber for their annual mixer with us once again! Network with us, September 8th from 5:30-7:30 in our showroom. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

08/09/2026

Kern County, let’s CONNECT, GROW, & THRIVE. 🔥

The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce invites you to our upcoming Annual Business Mixer & Expo, hosted at Motor City Lexus!

Join business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and organizations from across Kern County for an evening of networking, relationship building, and new opportunities.

This is a FREE event!

📅 Tuesday, September 8, 2026
⏰ 5:30PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Motor City Lexus
5101 Gasoline Alley Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93313

Come out and:

🤝 Connect with local professionals and business owners
📈 Build valuable business relationships
🛍️ Discover and support local businesses
🍴 Enjoy food and refreshments
🎟️ Enter for a chance to win raffle prizes

Whether you’re an established business owner, an entrepreneur, a professional looking to expand your network, or simply interested in connecting with the local business community, this event is for you.

🎟️ Registration is now open!
Scan the QR code on the flyer or use the link below to reserve your spot.

https://tinyurl.com/3uea4wxr

Bring your business cards and come ready to make connections!

Join the KCBCC at Motor City Lexus Sept. 8 for our Business Mixer & Expo. Network, showcase your business, enjoy food, raffles & more!

07/27/2026

Join Us Tomorrow! 🎉

The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce is excited to join our fellow regional chambers and community partners in celebrating the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of The Phoenix at Sundale by Chef Lino! ✂️

This is more than a ribbon cutting. It’s a celebration of entrepreneurship, community, and the continued growth of local business in Kern County. We’re proud to support Chef Lino as he opens this exciting new chapter.

Come enjoy great food, connect with local business and community leaders, and help us give Chef Lino and his team the warm welcome they deserve!

📅 Tuesday, July 28
🕠 Arrival: 5:30 PM
✂️ Ribbon Cutting: 6:00 PM
📍 The Phoenix at Sundale by Chef Lino
6218 Sundale Ave., Bakersfield, CA

Let’s continue building a stronger Kern County by showing up for the businesses that invest in our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

07/26/2026

You’re Invited! ✂️

Join the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the official Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Royal Play School! 👑

We’re excited to come alongside them as they expand their necessary work in our community and celebrate another organization investing in the future of Kern County’s children and families.

📅 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
🕒 Ribbon Cutting begins at 3:00 PM
📍 4201 University Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93306

Come meet the owners, tour the facility, connect with fellow community members, and help us officially welcome Royal Play School to the KCBCC network. This is free for all to attend.

We look forward to celebrating with you! 🩷🖤

Grand Opening & Community Dedication of Royal Play School Honoring Collette Royal's Vision for Nature-Based Learning on Bakersfield's East Side Doors Open: 2:30pm Date: July 29, 2026 Location: Royal Play School, 4201 University Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306

07/24/2026

💼 Member Spotlight | Mark Whaley, Elevate Leaders

KCBCC is proud to spotlight Mark Whaley of Elevate Leaders! Mark is passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners build a stronger financial future through education and personalized guidance.

Whether you’re planning for retirement, looking to protect your family, reviewing your insurance coverage, or seeking financial strategies for your business, Mark offers complimentary consultations to help you make informed decisions.

Join us in supporting one of our outstanding KCBCC members and connect with Mark to learn more!

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July from the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce!

As we celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary, we honor all those who came before us and whose courage, sacrifice, and perseverance made this day of reflection and celebration possible.

From all of us at the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful, and meaningful Fourth of July.

07/02/2026

Some ribbon cuttings feel like ceremonies. This one felt like family. 🖤

Yesterday evening, the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of celebrating ahead of the grand opening of the newest Handels Homemade Ice Cream location on Panama Lane with 2 of bakersfields most innovative business owners DeeDee Watkins-Lewis and Clint Lewis

What stood out wasn’t just the beautiful new store or the excitement surrounding another successful business expansion. It was the way they chose to celebrate the people who made that success possible.

We were blown away before the ribbon was even cut, they invited every member of their team to gather around the ribbon, making sure as many that could had their hands on it. It wasn’t just symbolic. It was a reminder that no one builds something meaningful alone.

They didn’t stop there.

They took time to recognize members of their staff individually, sharing where they attend school, what they contribute to the business, and the unique strengths each person brings to the team. It wasn’t scripted. It wasn’t done for the cameras. It was simply two business owners making sure the people who help make their vision possible were seen, appreciated, and celebrated.

That says everything about the kind of leaders they are.

For many years, Dee Dee and Clint have invested in Bakersfield, not only by building a business that generations of families have come to love, but by creating jobs, mentoring young people, and strengthening the economic fabric of our community.

Success isn’t measured only by the number of locations you open.

Sometimes it’s measured by how many lives you’re able to impact along the way.

As the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to stand alongside business leaders like Dee Dee and Clint Lewis. Their commitment to excellence, their investment in people, and their unwavering dedication to this community represent exactly the kind of leadership we believe deserves to be celebrated.

For Black-owned businesses, they have long been champions of economic opportunity and community investment, and we will continue to champion them in return. We will always be rooting for their success and celebrating every new milestone they achieve.

Congratulations on this incredible new chapter.

They are officially open today from 11 am- 10 pm, the ice cream is out of this world! If you want something sweet make plans to visit their newest location.

📍 9723 Panama Lane, Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93311

Let’s continue supporting businesses that invest back into the people who make our community stronger.

Congratulations again to Dee Dee and Clint Lewis, as well as the entire Handel’s team. Thank you for reminding us that the strongest businesses are built not just on great products, but on great people. 🍦❤️

06/22/2026

A father’s influence extends far beyond a single day.

Through guidance, sacrifice, and unwavering support, fathers help build the foundation for future generations to thrive.

We want to be clear no father has all the answers or has everything all figured out, but when you understand that being present is one of the most important things just find a way to do that and you’ll be on the right track.

Today, the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce honors the fathers, grandfathers, and mentors who continue to lead with strength, purpose, and love.

Happy Father’s Day.

06/21/2026

We extend our sincere congratulations to Patrick Jackson and the entire team at the NAACP Bakersfield Branch for hosting an outstanding 11th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Over the course of the weekend, our community came together to commemorate a defining moment in American history while celebrating the progress, resilience, culture, and contributions of the Black community. From Friday’s brunch and live music mixer to Saturday’s family celebration at Jastro Park, the events provided opportunities for fellowship, reflection, entertainment, education, and community connection.

The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce was honored to be part of the celebration and to stand alongside so many businesses, organizations, community leaders, vendors, volunteers, and families who helped make the weekend a success. The energy, unity, and sense of pride on display throughout the events were a testament to the strength of our community.

President Jackson and the NAACP Bakersfield team deserve tremendous praise for their leadership, vision, and commitment. Events of this magnitude require months of planning, coordination, and dedication, and their efforts continue to ensure that Juneteenth remains both a meaningful remembrance of freedom delayed but not denied and a celebration of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, performed, sponsored, and supported this year’s festivities. Together, we honored the past, celebrated the present, and reaffirmed our commitment to building a stronger future for generations to come.

06/19/2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that reminds us that freedom delayed was not denied and that the pursuit of opportunity, equality, and economic empowerment continues.

One meaningful way to honor Juneteenth is by supporting Black-owned businesses in our community.

Our President stopped by Ethnic Boutique & Kitchen to pick up a Dashiki for today’s celebrations. They offer authentic African fashion, incredible food, and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the richness of African culture.

📍 3767 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield

Juneteenth Specials:
• 30% off all clothing
• 15% off combo plates
• Free Puff Puff with any food purchase

⏰ Open today from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Every dollar spent with a local Black-owned business helps create opportunity, supports local jobs, and strengthens our community. Juneteenth is not only a time to reflect on our history but also a time to invest in our future.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate today, consider turning awareness into action by supporting a Black-owned business.