AABCA stays in the news and engaged with the community so we can provide timely and critical information to help us advocate for our members and the St. Louis community.
OUR AREAS OF FOCUS
We fight for jobs, justice, fairness and inclusion in St. Louis.
Our rights are being rolled back. In October 2024, the governor rescinded 177 executive orders that set benchmarks for Black, minority and women participation in state agencies. The State of Missouri has effectively rolled back the civil rights and economic gains we fought for to ensure our community has its fair share of participation. A new gubenatorial administraton offers no promise of change. It is a time for a change.
The City of St. Louis has failed in its promise to ensure Black and minority-owned businesses and contractors are able to participate in city projects despite having a long-standing ordinace on MWBE protections. Equally, its St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has not given Black contractors opportunity to engage in public works projects. We demand our fair share. It is time for a change.
The current presidential administration has vowed to end gains won during the Civil Rights Movement that protect our voting rights and ensure our ability to participate in federal projects. Most corporate "diversity, equity and inclusion" initiatives have ended across the country and African Americans, once again, must organize to fight back. We must continue to fight for change.
The great abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass taught us that "power concedes to nothing without a demand, it never has and it never will." Therefore, ABBCA will continue to organize, advocate and seek legislative and political remedies that keep up from feeding or families and obtaining wealth.
AABCA works to get Black-owned businesses, contractors and suppliers certified to compete for city, county, state and federal contacts. Our members have access to Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification training to help them bid, win and maintain lucrative public works contracts. We help level the playing field and ensure that our members are visible to procurement officials and general contractors seeking qualified subcontractors.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., once stated that all labor has dignity. People who are unable to work and put food on the table for themselves and their families often drift into the margins of life. AABCA believes everyone who is able and willing to work should have the opportunity to do so. We can put our community to work! This is why AABCA advocates for public and private jobs, training, contracts and opportunities for both youth and adults in the greater St. Louis region.
St. Louis deserves a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The key to getting union jobs in the building trades is to have access to critical union apprenticeship programs. AABCA works to ensure St. Louis labor unions are including Black trades people in their programs so they can gain skills, secure their wages and take advantage of opportunitiesin both the public and private sector.
With the successful placement of our members on the job, we work with them throughout the duration of their specific project to ensure they are being paid on time and the terms of their contracts are being met. We don't believe in playing games with people's money. AABCA works with procurement officials and others to ensure you get your money on time.
Our youth are our future. AABCA works with young people throughout the greater St. Louis area to help them develop vocational and other skills needed to secure employment and internships or own their own businesses. We also provide mentorship and the supports they need to develop strong character, a moral foundation and their life's purpose.
AABCA is dedicated to giving back to the community. Each summer, we hold our Annual Bike Giveaway, providing over a 100 bicycles to children in the community. Through our community, faith-based and corporate partners we are able to bring joy to St. Louis' young people. In the winter.
In addition to the bike give away, we provide voter registration and employment opportunities with local businesses.
AABCA provides food to needy families and our elders who are unable to get out and shop during the holiday season. With your generous donation, we continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the people.
AABCA offers special workshops, networking sessions and other special projects for its members and the broader St. Louis community. We will assist entrepreneurs and small business owners to present and develop trade shows, vendor events, job fairs, community outreach events and grassroots marketing campaigns to stay in touch with and/or reach new customers.