U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Releases Groundbreaking Whitepaper on Building Black Wealth Through Mergers & Acquisitions

[Washington, D.C] August 15, 2025— The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) today announced the release of Unlocking Black Wealth Through Mergers & Acquisitions, a whitepaper authored by Talisha Bekavac, USBC’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs, and J.K. Phenix, USBC’s Chief of Staff. This pioneering report explores how inclusive M&A strategies can serve as powerful tools for Black business growth, legacy preservation, and generational wealth creation.

Since 1985, more than 325,000 mergers and acquisitions have been announced globally, totaling nearly $35 trillion. Today, the global M&A market exceeds $10 trillion annually — yet Black-owned businesses remain largely absent from this economic landscape.

The whitepaper identifies structural barriers — from limited access to capital to smaller professional networks and minimal policy attention — that prevent Black entrepreneurs from participating in M&A opportunities. These inequities not only block acquisitions but also hinder smooth exits, business transitions, and succession planning, leading to the closure of countless Black-owned enterprises and the loss of community wealth.

“This absence isn’t by accident,” said Talisha Bekavac. “We must ensure Black-owned businesses have the resources, networks, and policy support needed to participate fully in mergers and acquisitions. The stakes are generational wealth and the economic health of our communities.”

Unlocking Black Wealth Through Mergers & Acquisitions provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, investors, and business leaders to foster greater equity in the M&A market — including targeted financing programs, network expansion initiatives, and policy reforms to level the playing field.

“Creating inclusive M&A pathways is not just an economic imperative; it’s a matter of economic justice,” added J.K. Phenix.

The whitepaper is available now at https://usblackchambers.org/whitepaper/.

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About USBC:

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.