APPLE VALLEY — Incoming High Desert Black Chamber of Commerce President Terrance Stone kicked off his first event with networking, golf and fun in the sun. The mixer, held Saturday at the Phoenix Academy, welcomed golfers of all skill levels to learn some tips while building bridges in the community.
Stone said as the new Black Chamber of Commerce President it was important that his first get together wasn’t a Zoom meeting.
“I think it’s important for black folks and black businesses to get back together, in the spirit of community, coming together and having fun,” said Stone.
I think golfing is one of those social distance sports. You have that social distancing… and just have fun with each other.
Terrance Stone
Stone’s nonprofit organization and sponsor of the event, Young Visionaries, will be celebrating its 20 year anniversary of working with at-risk kids.
The High Desert chapter is one of 13 that make up the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce. The organization is a professional body of concerned business leaders seeking to empower the small Black owned business community.
“We wanted to introduce golf to the young people here in the Victorville area and then we have a celebrity golf tournament coming up in Pasadena,” said Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce President Rich Wallace. “We’re looking forward to a great day…people are getting back out again so we’re glad about that.”
Victor Valley NAACP President James “JC” Campbell also partook in the day’s festivities. As the founder of nonprofit group Dvine Interventions, an organization dedicated to foster youth, Campbell understands the importance of working with community partners.
“I think that I can reach more people by partnering up with organizations like the African-American chamber, Young Visionaries, the Deltas, other groups that are up here,” said Campbell. “I really just believe that it’s about our young people — we have to get involved as professionals, come back and pour into them.”
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