Who We Are
BLC is Chicago’s premier Black business organization of more than 120 of Chicago's Black business leaders and entrepreneurs representing over 25 industries. We are harnessing the power of today’s Black business leaders to build the next generation of leaders. We are Black business leaders and entrepreneurs in positions of influence across the spectrum of business and civic leadership.
BLC Leadership
Arielle Johnson
CEO | BLC
Charles Smith
Chairman | BLC
CEO | CS Insurance Strategies, Division of MMA
Robert Blackwell Jr.
CEO | EKI Digital
Glenn Charles Jr.
President & CEO | Show Strategy
Frank Clark
Chairman & CEO | ComEd (Retired)
Kalia M. Coleman
Partner | Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
Steve Davis
Chairman & CEO | The Will Group
Otto Nichols
Executive VP, Shareholder | Clayco
Felicia Rauls
SVP Operations Director | Mesirow Financial
Jim Reynolds
Chairman & CEO | Loop Capital Markets
John Rogers
Co-Chairman & CIO | Ariel Investments
Melody Spann-Cooper
Chairman & President | Midway Broadcasting
Melissa Washington
SVP | ComEd Government & External Affairs
Our Goals
Sustainability
To improve the well-being and long-term sustainability of the Black community, our businesses must participate in the modern economy. We aim to create generational wealth from the ground up.
Value
To increase appreciation of the capacity of Black businesses, we must demonstrate our ability to deliver value to governments, institutions and corporations.
Our Community
Here are just a few of the many businesses our members represent.
Our Elevating Events.
As a member of the BLC you can participate in our varied social and networking events that feature Black city leaders, business moguls and more.