Founded by business owner De Charlene Williams, the mission of the Central Area Chamber of Commerce is to guide, inspire, and enhance economic, cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities within the Central Area community. Williams’ beauty and boutique hair salon served as a longtime core for Seattle’s Black community until her passing in 2018. The area is also home to the Washington Educational and Social Club and Birdland, a music and dance nightclub that was previously Lemeul Honeysuckle’s Savoy Ballroom.