The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Accelerator Program orientation this week. Black Chamber Facebook photo

The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce (FMBCC) released a statement Tuesday reaffirming its commitment to advancing “Black entrepreneurship, economic justice, and inclusive community development.”

The statement is being made amid the current anti-DEI (diversity equity and inclusion) climate, according to the Black Chamber.

The Trump administration has targeted anti-DEI efforts at all levels of the federal government, as well as companies that do business with and are regulated by the feds. Other companies have rolled back or removed references to DEI in their public-facing channels.

The statement was made by the board of the Black Chamber as well as the board of the Fresno Metro Black Chamber Foundation.

“Hope is not passive — it is bold, it is active, and it is alive in every entrepreneur we serve,” the Board states. “Despite the rising tide of anti-DEI sentiment, we remain undeterred in our mission to empower Black-owned businesses and dismantle the barriers that have historically limited access and opportunity.”

The FMBCC board also acknowledges “the very real impact anti-DEI policies and political attacks are having on Black communities and Black-owned enterprises.”

The chamber said the moment is a call to action, not a “retreat.”

“We were built for this moment. Our roots run deep in resistance, innovation, and community strength. We are not simply watching — we are working. We are building ecosystems of support, advocating, and creating space where Black excellence is seen, heard, and celebrated.”

The Chamber continues to support Black entrepreneurs and small businesses through programs in clean mobility, workforce development and small business accelerators, according to the release.

“To our community: you are not alone. You are essential. Your voice, your vision, and your business matter. Now is not the time to shrink—it is the time to rise. Together,” according to the Chamber.

President Trump has targeted DEI by saying that hiring in all parts of government should be based solely on merit, and that “fairness and accountability” should return to federal hiring