Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Partners with First United Bank to Help Re-Open Black-Owned Businesses Damaged in Downtown Dallas Protests (press release)

This collaboration will help fund Black-owned businesses dealing with damages from a night of protesting.

DALLAS, Texas, June 2, 2020 – – The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) is proud to announce its partnership with DBCC member, First United Bank, to support Black entrepreneurs dealing with damage to their businesses that occurred during the protest on Friday, May 29, 2020. Since 1926 the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for the creation, growth, and general welfare of Black businesses and has committed to continuing to further that mission.

Following the unjust killing of a Black Minneapolis man named George Floyd, the nation is in an uproar. Communities across the country have taken to the streets to protest police brutality, including citizens of Dallas, TX. During the protest, businesses were damaged, including Black-owned beauty salon, Coffney M Salon, Burger IM, and Guns & Roses Boutique. 

Coffney M Salon, located in Deep Ellum, is one of the very few black businesses in the area. Owner Coffney Johnson has been a hairstylist for over twenty-five years, dedicating her craft to help guide and uplift her clients and fellow stylist. Ms. Johnson’s salon is a triumph of adversity that she has worked for her whole life, and she is optimistic about the re-opening of the salon. Owner Wes Williams of Burger IM is one of the only Black-owned restaurants/bars in Dallas’ historic West End. He had been in business for more than a year before the COVID-19 crisis caused business activity to slow down. Princess Pope, the owner of Guns & Roses Boutique, suffered the worst damages, losing more than 90% of her new inventory and losing all her windows after successfully being in business in the Deep Ellum area for more than eight years. The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce has partnered with our partners at First United Bank, who are donating $5,000 to Ms. Johnson and the re-opening of Coffney M Salon, $2,500 to Burger IM owner Wes Williams, and $2,500 Princess Pope and the Guns & Roses Boutique. 

“First United Bank has been instrumental in helping the Black-owned businesses the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce sent during COVID-19 and now is no different. We appreciate their support to businesses in our communities across North Texas,” says DBCC President, Harrison Blair. “As the nation moves through this critical moment in history, we ask that our communities come together to help rebuild our businesses. The Dallas Black Chamber is committed to being a valuable resource and frontline advocate for our North Texas Black businesses.” Terrance Sauls, the Business Development Officer with First United Bank, is committed to helping the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce serve its mission. “I believe in the vision of the Dallas Black Chamber and their message for continued growth in our community and Black businesses. The DBCC’s mission, together with First United’s Devotion to our four pillars, will enact unshakeable change in the communities we serve.”

Wednesday, June 10, from 12 pm to 4 pm, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce will lead a group of volunteers to help clean up the Guns & Roses Boutique with Owner Princes Pope. Immediately following the clean-up, the DBCC will host a ribbon-cutting for Burger IM with owner Wes Williams at 5 pm. All volunteers will receive a 15% discount off their purchases at Burger IM. 

To donate to the re-opening of Coffney M Salon, please visit the GoFundMe page. To donate to the re-opening of Burger IM, please visit the GoFundMe page. To donate to the re-opening of Guns & Roses Boutique, please visit the GoFundMe page. For information about the Dallas Black Chamber membership or volunteer opportunities, please visit www.dbcc.org. 

About the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce: 

Founded in 1926, the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate for the creation, growth, and general welfare of African American businesses in the Dallas community. The Chamber actively promotes the expansion of business opportunities of our membership through referrals, partnerships, seminars, technical assistance, and marketing. Learn more at www.dbcc.org