Excellence
We Lift Calgary
Making Calgary the most equitable place for Black people to live, work and play.
Built on conviction and community
Calgary Black Chambers emerged from a simple truth: Black students and professionals needed more than opportunity. They needed belonging. Since our founding, we have grown into a force that transforms lives through deliberate action and unwavering commitment.
Our Vision
To make Calgary the best place in Canada for Black people to live, work and play
Pillars
Mission Statements/Pillars
Mentorship connects those who have walked the path with those just beginning. Scholarship removes the barriers that talent should never face. Fellowship builds the networks where Black excellence is recognized, celebrated, and sustained.
Mentorship
Guiding and supporting Black students and early career individuals across all professions to achieve their highest potential.
Scholarship
Elevating Black students through scholarships, recognition and financial support
Fellowship
Creating an inclusive space for Black people and allies to share their expertise, experience and thoughts.
History
A Unified Voice Emerge
In 2019, a group of Black professionals decided it was time to unite. Lacking an organization with the stated goal of bringing together Black people of all descents, Calgary’s Black people had limited options to connect outside their respective communities. The founding members of the Calgary Black Chambers help the culture of Calgary flourish through providing a strong, unified voice for our people. With our professional membership, we maintain a strong focus on ethics, merit, and compassion. After much discussion, we decided to hold the ideal of mentorship as fundamental to our purpose. Now, we are focused on providing mentorship for the next generation, giving Calgary Black students a leg up with guidance and aid in kind to reach their life goals.
2019
Founding & First Calgary Black Achievement Awards
CBC began as a gathering of individuals who shared a vision for a more inclusive and empowering Calgary. This year marked the launch of our first major event the Calgary Black Achievement Awards celebrating the excellence and accomplishments of Black Calgarians.
2020
Expansion of Community Programming
2021
Launch of Scholarship and Mentorship Program
CBC formally introduced its scholarship program, supporting Black students pursuing post-secondary education. Our mentorship program also grew significantly, pairing youth with professionals across multiple industries.
2022
Strengthening Governance & Board Development
2023
Increasing Visibility & Community Engagement
2024
Strategic Growth & Program Enhancements
2025
Digital Transformation & Future-Focused Vision
CBC embarked on a major digital modernization effort, including the redevelopment of its website. With strengthened programs and expanded impact, CBC continues to advance its mission to make Calgary the best place for Black people to live, work, and thrive.
2019
Founding & First Calgary Black Achievement Awards
Transformation
The Calgary Black Chamber’s work is built on three interconnected pillars: mentorship, scholarships, and fellowship. Each pillar addresses a different barrier to opportunity guidance, access, and belonging. Together, they support individual growth, strengthen leadership, and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient Calgary.
Students find their footing and their voice
Support arrives not as charity but as recognition of talent that deserves to flourish
Professionals discover meaning in lifting others
Mentorship and advocacy work transform career success into community responsibility.
Partners invest in something that endures
Corporate and community sponsors build legacies while strengthening the fabric of Calgary.
The entire community rises when excellence is recognized
What we build together becomes stronger than what any of us could build alone.
Impact
The measure of what we have built
The Calgary Black Chamber focuses on outcomes that matter. Every mentor matched, every scholarship awarded, and every dollar raised represents real progress supporting individuals, strengthening leadership, and expanding opportunity across our community
60+
Mentors guiding the way
Professionals committed to lifting others forward
300+
Students finding their path
support
$200,000+
Raised for scholarships
Direct investment in removing barriers to education
3+
Pillars holding us steady
Mentorship, scholarship, and fellowship combined
