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Diverse Chamber of Commerce Black & White Networking Evening
— Roanoke, May 15, 2026

Inside the Roanoke Black and White Dinner Table Networking Event

“Black & White is the canvas, and the guests were the palette. The evening blended diverse businesses, perspectives, insights, foods, and storytelling into a living bouquet of collaboration.”

Welcome to the recap of one of our most inspiring gatherings of the year! On the evening of May 15th, the Diverse Chamber of Commerce and Industry witnessed a beautiful, vibrant mix of community and culture at the Black and White Dinner Table Mixer.

Hosted by Regional Ambassador Jemeka Robertson, this exclusive event brought together local business leaders and community advocates for an unforgettable night of fellowship.

Held at the Roanoke Sheriff Office, the event beautifully illustrated the powerful bond between law enforcement, local businesses, and the community. Guests arrived in classic black and white attire, stepping into a meticulously designed space that perfectly set the mood for building relationships and discussing inclusive economic growth.

The evening was filled with memorable moments, from the elegant tablescape crafted by Sheriff Hash to the professional media coverage by local photographer Damon Davis, who captured the candid connections and formal portraits throughout the night. A particularly touching moment occurred before dinner, featuring a heartfelt tribute honoring Chamber President Aldrica Lattimore’s late father and his foundational impact on the community.

Central to the mixer’s success was the shared experience of breaking bread. Local Chef Tasha from Heart and Soul Catering provided a spectacular family-style feast that encouraged attendees to engage deeply, share their experiences, and forge new partnerships.

Black & White as the Canvas: The night invites each participant to add color through diverse businesses, perspectives, and experiences. Attendees will move through conversations that blend entrepreneurship with culture, cuisine, and storytelling, creating a bouquet of collaboration that reflects the richness of our community.
 
Intimate setting for meaningful connections
With a cap of 20 entrepreneurs, plus invited partners, the evening promises quality interactions in a relaxed, intimate environment. This format is designed to foster authentic dialogue, mentorship opportunities, and potential collaborations that move small businesses forward.

Dress code

Black and White casual chic or business professional. The dress code is an invitation to stylistically unify the night while allowing personal expression through accessories and details that pop against a monochrome palette.

Date, time, and venue

Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Venue: 301 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Hosts and contact information

Hosts: Jemeka Robertson (Regional Ambassador) and Maurisa Chase (Southwest Virginia Small Business Advocate)
Date and Time: April 17, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (Zoom)

Contacts:

Registration

Registration is open now. Secure your spot for this intimate evening by visiting: Click Here to Register

Tips to maximize your experience

  • Come prepared: Bring a concise 30-second elevator pitch and a business card or digital contact method.
  • Identify collaboration goals: Think about one partnership you’d like to pursue by the end of the evening.
  • Be present: Limit distractions, listen actively, and ask thoughtful questions to deepen connections.
  • Follow up promptly: After the event, reach out with a personalized note to continue the conversation.
We look forward to seeing Roanoke’s diverse business community come together for a night of color, connection, and collaboration. 
 
Join us in Roanoke on May 15 as we blend Black & White into a spectrum of opportunity for Small Biz.

Here is a closer look at the evening's defining elements:

Community Collaboration
  •   Venue Partnership: Hosting the event at the Roanoke Sheriff Office highlighted a strong bridge between law enforcement, community stakeholders and small business.
  Local Vendors
  • The event proudly showcased the exceptional talents of local entrepreneurs and creatives.
  Visual Storytelling
  • Professional media coverage ensured the community’s collaborative spirit was beautifully documented.
Culinary Excellence
  •   Appetizers: Guests were welcomed into the networking hour with a savory collard green smoked turkey dip.
  •   Main Course: The family-style spread featured stuffed chicken, green beans with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, and warm cornbread muffins.
  •   Dessert: The meal concluded on a sweet note with Chef Tasha’s homemade southern banana pudding.
Meaningful Engagement
  •   Guided Conversations: Ambassador Robertson facilitated introductions, ensuring every guest had a voice at the table.
  •   Relationship Building: The family-style seating naturally broke down barriers, fostering genuine networking and fellowship.
Honoring Legacies
  •   Special Tribute: The welcome address included a dedicated moment of reflection for Chamber President Aldrica Lattimore’s late father.
  •   Community Impact: Speakers highlighted the foundational community work that paved the way for current and future leaders.
  •   Future Inspiration: Attendees were challenged to take the inspiration from past legacies out into the Roanoke community.
 
The Black and White Dinner Table Mixer was more than just a networking event; it was a testament to the power of shared meals and meaningful dialogue. As attendees exchanged contact information and shared their final  remarks, the call to action was clear: take the ideas and partnerships formed at the table and use them to uplift the entire Roanoke community.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events. We look forward to seeing how the connections made during this elegant evening will continue to drive inclusive growth across our network!