The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ)

Op-Ed: "Our Value Proposition and Co-Existence in NJ" John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM highlights the economic value, contributions, and challenges of Black communities in New Jersey. This powerful op-ed is a call to action to recognize, invest in, and uplift Black businesses for a more equitable future. ??Read the full op-ed here: https://conta.cc/4gYUc4j Continue the conversation at the State of Black New Jersey Economic Summit, where we’ll address economic equity, legislative priorities, and community solutions. ?? March 25, 2025 ?? Princeton Marriott at Forrestal Princeton, NJ ?? Register today: https://www.aaccnj.com/ #StateOfBlackNJ #SOBNJ #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackEconomicEquity #BlackBusiness #EquityMatters #NowIsTheTime #DoRightByUs #AACCNJ Luis O. De La Hoz, Elisa Charters, Gus Penaranda, Indy Samra, Robin Berg Tabakin, Esq., MBA, Lisa Chowansky, Jessica Dahl, Komal Dangi, Rajeev Krishna, Ayo Sanderson Wilson, Andrew Frazier Jr., MBA, CFA, Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., IOM, CAE, Francisco Cortes, Terrence Clark, Brian K. Oglesby, Leandra Joseph, Elizabeth Walsh, Steven Fulop, Ras Baraka, Steve Sweeney, Jack Ciattarelli, Bill Spadea, Jon Bramnick, Sean Spiller, Teik C. Lim, Thomas A. Bracken, Michele Siekerka, Esq., Tim Sullivan, Emma Corrado, Emy Quispe, Carlos Medina, Mikie Sherrill, Josh Gottheimer, Maria L Salazar, Antonio Martinez, PE, PP, Duval D Tyson, MBA, Timothy Awojobi, MPA, Mehari Mebrahtu Ghebremichael, Timothy P. Kerner

Join the Conversation at the State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit! The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is confronting the critical issue of disparities in public contracting. Right now, Black-owned businesses receive less than 1% of state contracts—a reality that demands immediate action. Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from New Jersey’s Gubernatorial candidates in a powerful panel discussion focused on equity, accountability, and real solutions. March 25, 2025 Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, Princeton, NJ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Registration closes TODAY! Secure your spot now: https://conta.cc/41NDDD1 Together, let's drive the change we need for equitable public contracting in NJ! #SOBNJ2025 #AACCNJ #EconomicEquity #PublicContracting #NJBusiness #NJPolitics #BlackOwnedBusiness #EquityNow #JoinTheConversation

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Exciting Updates on the AACCNJ Juneteenth Black Business Expo! ??https://conta.cc/4hpA9wi

We’re thrilled to announce the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s 2025 “Women Who Empower” Awards Luncheon! Join us on May 6th, from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal to celebrate this year’s incredible honorees: ? Michelle Bodden (Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, NJEDA) ? Barbara George Johnson, MPH, J.D. (VP External Affairs & Urban Policy, Kean University) ? Dr. Dionne Ledford (Executive Director & Superintendent, Roseville Community Charter School) We’ll also feature a dynamic keynote presentation from Lisa N. Lovell, MBA, Financial Planner, Prudential Advisors, moderated by Faye Coleman, CEO of Pure Genesis, LLC. Don’t miss this chance to honor the women who are making an impact in New Jersey and beyond! Visit https://conta.cc/3Y3rwR1 to register or learn more. #WomenWhoEmpower #AACCNJ

Join us at the AACCNJ State of Black New Jersey 2025 Economic Summit, themed “Accountability, Opportunity & Equity.” This annual summit serves as an essential platform to engage state representatives, legislators, community leaders, and private-sector innovators to shape public policies and drive equitable economic opportunities for the 1.2 million Black residents and over 88,000 Black-owned businesses across New Jersey. “This year’s event will take a comprehensive look at current and proposed public policies and their economic impact on Black New Jerseyans, and Black Businesses in New Jersey. The recent Disparity Study, commissioned by the Murphy Administration, which placed blacks at the absolute bottom in receiving less than half of one percent of our state’s public contracts; a shameful reminder of the disregard for the equitable participation of blacks notwithstanding their availability and qualifications for participation. Blacks have the highest level of poverty and unemployment; 93% of black businesses are sole proprietorships, Blacks represent 14% of the state’s population and according to Nielsen we are over indexed in our spending for several industries. Moreover, black voter participation for the majority political party has consistently made a difference in the election outcomes. Our contributions from a consumer spending and voter participation perspective have not been reciprocal from those that have derived benefits; and therefore, as an organization, representing the interests of black people, it would be an egregious failure of our obligation to our constituency if we did not voice our concerns and pursue strategies for greater accountability, opportunities, and equity” -John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM Ready to make an impact? Register today and be a part of the crucial conversations shaping the future of Black New Jersey. Your voice and participation matter. ??https://lnkd.in/ejaPYM5t #AACCNJ #StateOfBlackNJ #EconomicOpportunity #MakeAnImpact

Catch up on all things AACCNJ with our latest newsletter! Learn about member promotions, upcoming events, webinars, and valuable community resources. ??https://conta.cc/41AEBlY

Press Release - The AACCNJ announces that it will honor Gibbons P.C. at the State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit. ??https://conta.cc/4c12tnl

Photos from John Harmon's recent trip to U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Images provided by Michael Reynolds, Chief Photographer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Join us for this critical State of Black New Jersey Economic Summit! Just a week away! Your admission includes a continental breakfast, plated lunch, and music by DJ McAllister. Plus, receive the exclusive SOBNJ 2025 Data Book, a complimentary Black History Month Gala Program Book, and the Annual Report (while supplies last). Don’t miss the chance to hear from—and possibly meet—New Jersey’s next governor. Secure your spot, and be part of shaping a stronger future for our community! ??https://conta.cc/3FLc0CV