In September 1935, several prominent community leaders organized the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce (HNCC) to empower and promote African-American buinesses in the city. They focused on encouraging business within African-American communities, since Jim Crow laws prevented blacks from accessing opportunities outside of their neighborhoods. With J.E. Robinson, Sr. as its first president, it was the first successful group of this type in Houston's black community. The office was in the black-owned Pilgrim Temple Building from 1935 until moving here in 1963. The HNCC sought to promote the civic, ecnomic, industrial, agricultural and social welfare of Houston residents; encourage alrger patronacge of balc enterprises and practival educatino in the trades and arts to stimulate better business; and develop a more amicable relationship between racial groups. The organization also encouraged residents to pay their poll taxes in order to become eligible to vote, promoted fair housing and emplyment practives, contributed to international commerce, and held contests, better businessesformus, and baquets to motivate the African-American community. During World War II, their office served as a rations hedquarters. A junior chamber was organized in 1942. The chamger also provided platforms for national leaders and partnered with government programs. Women have been actively involved in the HNCC since its formation and hel d offices as early as 1957. In 1964, under the leadership of Mack H. Hannah, Jr., the chamber changed its name to the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC). Today, the HCCC continues to represent the interests of and promote greater unity among the African-American business community. (2008)