The Northeast Louisiana African-American Chamber of Commerce (NELA Chamber) has officially launched its website and social media presence, a move President Attorney James Ross says will connect today’s business leaders to a legacy nearly a century old.
The new website, www.nelachamber.com, will serve as the central hub for information, programs, and resources supporting Black-owned businesses across Monroe and the wider region.
Ross said the Chamber plans to use the platform to celebrate the past while promoting the future of African-American enterprise in Northeast Louisiana.
“The Negro Chamber of Commerce was formed here in Monroe in 1927 by pioneers like Dr. J.C. Roy, Dr. Arthur Miller, and B.D. Robinson,” Ross explained.
“What they began almost 100 years ago is still alive. Since 1997, the Northeast Louisiana African-American Chamber has carried that mission forward, and now, with this website, we are building on that foundation for a new generation.”
The original Negro Chamber provided essential advocacy at a time when African-American businesses were often excluded from mainstream economic opportunities. Its members included funeral home directors, insurance agents, and neighborhood store owners who worked together to strengthen commerce in Monroe’s Black community. By the late 20th century, that pioneering spirit was reborn with the founding of the NELA Chamber, which has championed local entrepreneurs through membership services, legislative lobbying, and public recognition.
With the launch of its online platforms, Ross said the Chamber is taking another step toward visibility and growth.
“Our story began long before 1997. It began when Black doctors, businessmen, and women carved out economic opportunity in Monroe against all odds. This website allows us to honor that history while promoting the businesses that are shaping our community today,” he said.
The Chamber’s social media pages will complement the website, providing timely updates on programs, networking opportunities, and spotlights on African-American business owners. Together, the new platforms aim to expand the Chamber’s reach and strengthen its voice as an advocate for Black enterprise in Northeast Louisiana.
“This isn’t just a website,” Ross added. “It’s a continuation of a dream that started in 1927—a dream of economic empowerment, community growth, and business excellence.”
