Every immigrant who came to America brought their culture, heritage and traditions; and integrated them into their communities, and developed the assets to create generational wealth for their people and themselves. The English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Irish, Italian, Chinese and others brought their cultures, traditions, and heritage to America, and today each is an integral part of the culture, we classify as “American”.  Our American Culture is made of various cultures and is constantly evolving, which makes us attractive to the rest of the world.  The melting pot?  No, depending on your culture, America is viewed as a salad, soup, or GUMBO!!!! 

The African American Culture is no different.  Slaves and immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean, brought to America their cultures, traditions, and heritage.  Openly and in secret they continued to practice them, and many have survived for over four hundred years.  Our music, art, dance, foods, and cultural tools are integrated in the mainstream culture and society.  Unfortunately, seldom is any thought or recognition given to their origin, or their economic value.  Each were placed into society without the originators recognizing that these assets can, and would be clustered in Black communities to duplicate the wealth that was created in the mainstream culture. 

 It is the desire of the Florida Black Chamber economic development leadership to begin the journey by assisting the National Black Chamber to implement  its ‘National Cultural Heritage Initiative’.  Thus, the National Cultural Heritage Society Network, the Art & Entertainment Network, The Cultural Heritage MarketPlace and the Florida State Black Tourism Center were created to celebrate and reclaim our cultural heritage, and to cluster cultural businesses in our traditional communities to create wealth and opportunities.  Motown, Stax, BET, and other companies that produced jobs, opportunities and wealth, serving cultural needs, are evidence of this concept.

These entities will bring producers of cultural products and services, increased opportunities by marketing them to the Black Diaspora across the globe, via an e-commerce platform and network.  The goal again being, to educate, connect national and global communities, create jobs, and opportunities.  The initial focus will be on Cultural Tourism and Art & Entertainment.