BLACK CONTRACTORS UNITED
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Actually, Black Contractors United is a spin off of multiple organizations. The first meetings were held in a 'barber shop'. The Brotherhood Club, of which Betts Masonry was an integral part, consisted of African American tradesmen who came together for fellowship and information sharing on the future of the construction trade and their place in it. Subsequent to the Brotherhood Club, the Tradesman Club was founded in 1968 and based upon the same principles as its predecessor.

However the Tradesman's Club expanded its outreach base by partnering with the Chicago Urban League, the monitoring agent for Project 110 which was designed to bring mire African Americans into the construction trades. Mr. Bill Berry of the Chicago Urban League met with members of the Tradesman Club and together, they designed a plan that would facilitate the matriculation of 110 African American men into the construction industry. He and his staff identified coaches who would train the program participants. Some of the coaches who come to mind are Taylor Cotton, Bob Anderson and James Pleasant. Those candidates who survived became tradesmen and were under the protection of the U. S. Marshall for their employment on major projects.

Between late 1950 and early 1960 the West side Builders came into existence and eventually became the United Builders Association. Under the leadership of Mr. Paul King, Executive Director, United Builders affiliated with the National Association of Minority Contractors. Their primary goal was addressing the needs and concerns of African American contractors throughout the nation. United Builders conducted meetings at 3006 South Wentworth. This brought money and participation from the west side of the city to the south side of Chicago. With staff assistance from Sandra Davis, Donna Dixon and Joann Sille, Mr. King was able to secure the organization's first funding grant in the amount of $25,000.00 from the Goldblatt Foundation and $65,000.00 from the U. S. Department of Commerce.

United Builders Association, funded by CEDCO later merged with CEDCO due to economic considerations. Meeting location presented a hardship for some participants. This caused a reduction in attendance. The void created by this action gave impetus to the rise of Black Contractors United. During this same time, Phase One of the Dearborn Project was beginning. Taylor C. Cotton Jr. of the Chicago Urban League urged and encouraged the Dearborn Park Corporation to hire African American businessmen and workers. Within Phase One, DPC met and surpassed its established goals of 11% MBE and 40% Minority/ Female.

The success of this effort led a group of twelve core participants to organize Black Contractors United. The first informal meeting was held at James Martin's establishment located 110 East 75th. Street. One year later, 1974 the first formal meeting was held at Amy's and Lou's Restaurant. The first officers were: Ms. Magdalene Dixon, Chairman of the Board; Mr. Lawrence C. Woods, President; Mr. Glen Harston, Secretary; Mr. Steve Garth, Treasurer and Mr. A. I. Dunlap, Executive Director. Other participants include Charles Moore, Louis and James Martin, Murray Brown, Butler Drywall, Rufus Taylor and Clarence Dew. It is Important to note that in addition to being the organization's president, Mr. Woods also served as Chief of Staff for W.L. Dawson and understood the need for Black Contractors United to interact with all levels of government. The Honorable Harold Washington was the keynote speaker at our first annual dinner.

Black Contractors United has helped to pave the way for unprecedented African American participation in massive retail, residential/high rise and public works construction projects. Additionally, we helped to establish citywide accepted employment and procurement goals of 25% for minorities and 5% for women. Without question, these goals were accepted on virtually every major construction project in Chicago.

Full time and volunteer staff maintain our office. We are a membership organization providing information, outreach, and advocacy on numerous construction related issues. We provide support to our youth community through scholarships and direct service. We are located at 400 W. 76th. Street in Chicago, Illinois. Our telephone number is 773-483-4000 and the fax number is 773-483-4150. You may e-mail us at bcunewera@ameritech.net or visit our website at www.blackcontractorsunited.com.

MISSION STATEMENT

o TO EXPAND THE BASE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION - RELATED BUSINESSES.

o TO ASSIST AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTRACTORS IN ACHIEVING PARITY IN THE FREE MARKETPLACE WITHOUT THE RESTRICITON OF BIAS OF PREJUDICE.

o TO INCREASE THE SUCCESS POTENTIAL OF NEW OR EXISTING FIRMS BY PROVIDING QUALITY PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGERIAL ASSISTANCE.

o TO HELP AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRMS REACH HIGHER LEVELS OF GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND PROFITABLITY THROUGH FOCUSED ASSISTANCE.

o TO ACT AS LIAISON BETWEEN THE MINORITY AND MAJORITY CONTRACTING COMMUNITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF BOTH.