U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters Gets Her Flowers as Community Leaders Honor Her Legacy at the 32nd Annual GLAAACC Economic Awards
By Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD, Pe.D
The longtime California congresswoman, who is running for reelection, seized the spotlight on the GLAAACC stage to challenge banks, defend minority businesses, and remind the community that the fight for economic justice is far from over.
The ballroom carried the energy of both celebration and urgency as business leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and banking executives gathered for the 32nd Annual GLAAACC Economic Awards hosted by the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC).
At the center of the evening was U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who received the Chairman’s Award and her flowers from the GLAAACC and the community at large for decades of public service tied to economic opportunity, minority business development, civil rights advocacy, and political leadership.
At 87 years old, she showed no signs of slowing down.
The longtime congresswoman has served as the U.S. representative for California’s 43rd Congressional District since 1991 and is once again running for reelection in 2026. Often recognized as one of the oldest active members of Congress, she continues to maintain a commanding presence in national politics while remaining deeply connected to issues impacting Black communities, small businesses, and working families.
But the evening quickly evolved beyond a ceremonial tribute. She used the platform to deliver a forceful defense of Black business, voting rights, and federal programs she said remain critical to the survival of underserved communities.
Congresswoman Waters framed the moment as one of consequence for small and minority-owned businesses across the country.
“This can no longer be about big profits,” she said. “This is about survival.”
Throughout her remarks, she repeatedly returned to the importance of coalition building and economic access, particularly for Black entrepreneurs navigating tightening lending environments and shifting federal priorities. She credited longtime business leader Gene Hale, president of the GLAAACC, as one of the driving forces behind decades of advocacy for minority-owned businesses in Los Angeles and beyond.
She described Hale as more than a business executive. She called him a strategist, advisor, and behind-the-scenes problem solver whose work often took place outside public recognition.
“We take for granted someone like Gene Hale because he’s so present and he does so much work without asking for compliments,” she told the audience.
She reflected on their collaboration dating back to the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, recalling Hale’s role in helping secure resources and infrastructure needed for the event. She praised his leadership across multiple organizations, including the Gardena Police Foundation, the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission, and several minority business coalitions.
The evening also became a platform for her to revisit the economic battles that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. She detailed negotiations with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers to secure additional funding for minority and small businesses after concerns that major banks were controlling access to relief funding through proprietary systems that left many smaller businesses behind.
According to Congresswoman Waters, those negotiations helped deliver an additional $60 billion in support targeted toward underserved businesses.
“Many of them were able to keep their doors open because we were able to do that,” she said, pointing directly to Hale’s advocacy as an inspiration behind the effort.
She sharply criticized current federal economic policies, arguing they disproportionately affect Black-owned businesses and Black women in the workforce. She condemned the rollback of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and voiced concern over cuts to programs supporting minority business development.
She also defended Community Development Financial Institutions, known as CDFIs, which she described as essential pathways for minority entrepreneurs seeking access to loans and capital often unavailable through traditional banking systems.
Under her leadership, billions were directed into community lending structures designed to support businesses in underserved communities. She warned those programs now face political attacks despite bipartisan support.
“We must all come together to keep Black-owned businesses strong, profitable, and always operating in the black,” she said.
Congresswoman Waters broadened her remarks beyond economics, warning about what she characterized as growing threats to voting rights and democratic participation. She urged attendees not to disengage politically despite frustration and fatigue.
“Don’t back up from anybody,” she said. “Don’t ever be intimidated. Don’t give up and think that you’re not good enough.”
Her speech closed with reflections on the legacy of Jesse Jackson and the late civil rights movement’s impact on generations of Black political leadership. She credited Jackson’s historic presidential campaigns with helping reshape what many Black Americans believed was politically possible.
“If it had not been for Jesse Jackson with the strength and the courage to run for the presidency of the United States of America,” she said, “there would never have been an Obama president of the United States.”
The ceremony reflected more than recognition. It served as a reminder that for many Black business leaders in Los Angeles, economic empowerment remains deeply tied to public policy, access to capital, and sustained community advocacy.
For one evening, those conversations moved from boardrooms and congressional hearings to center stage while Congresswoman Waters stood firm in reminding the audience that the fight for economic equity and civil rights is far from over.
SEO Tags: Maxine Waters, U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, 32nd Annual GLAAACC Economic Awards, Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce, GLAAACC, Gene Hale, Black Chamber of Commerce, Black business, minority businesses, Community Development Financial Institutions, CDFI, Black entrepreneurship, economic equity, civil rights leadership, Jesse Jackson, California politics, Black women leaders, Los Angeles business community, diversity equity inclusion, minority business development, African American business leaders, Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, Platinum Star Public Relations, Black economic empowerment, Congress 2026 reelection, Black community advocacy
In unity,
Dr. Marie Y. Lemelle, MBA, PhD
President, Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Beverly Hills Chapter
213-276-7827 direct/whatsapp
323-853-9035 office
Platinum Star Public Relations
Platinum Star Media Group
Pitbull PR Agency
http://www.platinumstarmediagroup.com
