A message from USBC President Ron Busby and USBC Chairman Charles O’Neal on the passing of Aubry Stone:
 
Aubry was like a second father to me during my adult life. He was full of sound and experienced advice. He was worldly in his travel and spiritual in his beliefs, which gave him a calming perspective on life. He was a visionary man with a commitment to the improvement of the Black community through entrepreneurial growth and development.
 
As the original founder of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. he saw things in us we didn't see in ourselves. He challenged us to think and work outside the box with a dedication to excellence. In 2009, right after President Obama was elected, Aubry gave us the opportunity to paint on an empty canvas and create the masterpiece that he can call his legacy, the USBC.
 
Prior to conducting this choir, he masterfully pulled together 21 local Black Chambers throughout California to orchestrate the California Black Chamber of Commerce, where you could find him on Capital Hill in Sacramento lobbying on a host of issues pertaining to the progression and improvement of Black people. During Aubry’s leadership both through the USBC and CBCC he was an unapologetic advocate for legislation and policies that positively affected Black business. In 2012, we created the Aubry Stone Advocate of the Year award, through which individuals such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Senator Corey Booker, Governor John Kasich, Congressman G. K. Butterfield, just to name a few received this recognition.
 
Aubry, like Parren James Mitchell, Reginald Lewis, Ron Brown and so many others, will always be remembered but their impact will be felt long after they’re forgotten.
 
We will miss him.
 
-Ron Busby, President
 
It is with profound sense of loss that we, the Board of Directors of the U.S. Black
Chambers, Inc., acknowledge the passing of our colleague, friend and Chairman
Emeritus, Aubry Stone.
 
His contributions to the creation of our organization are unmatched, as is his
record of service to America’s Black-owned businesses. Ever positive, always
with an eye to the future, Aubry was an irrepressible champion for the work we
do. Generations to come will benefit from his tireless advocacy, his unfailing
commitment to bettering the lives of Black people, and his unequaled passion for
getting things done THE RIGHT WAY!
 
We accept the challenge of carrying on the work begun by Aubry and will use the memory of his wisdom and guidance to propel the USBC to its next chapter.
 
-Charles O’Neal, Chairman
 
Cc USBC Board Members:
Antwanye Ford
Aimee Griffin
Bridgett Gagne
Kelisha Garrett
Larry Holman
Veta Jeffery
Jim Wyatt