PRESS RELEASES

March 21, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) seeks to address the disparity in public contracting and will convene the NJ Gubernatorial candidates in a panel discussion, at the State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit which will be held on March 25th, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, in Princeton, NJ.

March 19, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Honorees for the “Women Who Empower” 2025 Awards Luncheon, which will be held on May 6th from 11:30 a.m. –2:30 p.m., at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, Princeton, NJ.

March 18, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that it will honor Gibbons P.C. at the State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit on March 25th at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, in Princeton, NJ. The AACCNJ will honor Gibbons as an equity partner in the mission of the AACCNJ: to provide equitable opportunities to diverse businesses. The summit will take place from 9 am – 3 pm, and the award will be presented at noon.

March 12, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that Governor Phil Murphy will make remarks as a Special Guest Speaker at their Third Annual Juneteenth Black Business Expo on June 12th, at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, in the Brower Student Center. 

February 21, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) hosted a Blockbuster 15th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala with nearly 600 hundred in attendance on February 12th at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

The AACCNJ 2025 Annual Awards Gala themed “Resilience and Hope” is the premier Black History Month event in the state of NJ. The event provides the platform, on behalf of the members of the AACCNJ and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of NJ, to continue to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.

February 19, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the convening of the Candidates in the race for NJ Governor, at the State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit which will be held on March 25th, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, in Princeton, NJ.

January 27, 2025- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that the Honorable Philip D. Murphy, will make opening remarks at the 2025 Black History Month Gala on February 12th at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

December 3, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Honorees for the 15th Annual Circle of Achievements Awards Gala, which will be held on February 12, 2025, from 6 pm – 11 pm at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

December 2, 2024- Trailblazer Awards Reception was hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ and the NJ Chamber of Commerce. 

Eight New Jersey businesses and a business leader that are leading the way in demonstrating tangible and measurable progress in diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) were recognized Nov. 14 at the third annual DE&I Trailblazer Awards reception, co-hosted by the African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

December 2, 2024— The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) held its inaugural Youth Leadership Summit on October 24, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Princeton, NJ. This event brought together more than 200 students from high schools across New Jersey to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.

November 20, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Bank of America as the Exclusive Event Sponsor for the Annual Year End Meeting, which will be held on December 12, 2024, from 6 pm - 9 pm at the APA Hotel in Woodbridge, NJ.

November 5, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) in partnership with the new jersey Department of Labor, proudly announces the expansion and renewal of its workforce initiative, Pathways to Recovery. This initiative is aimed at supporting individuals in New Jersey who have been impacted by the ongoing opioid epidemic. Pathways to Recovery builds upon previous efforts, extending its coverage to include Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, and Middlesex counties.

October 29, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Truist as the Exclusive Event Sponsor for the 15th Annual Circle of Achievements Awards Gala, which will be held on February 12, 2025, from 6 pm – 11 pm  at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

October 16, 2024- “The words of former President, Ronald Reagan, ring so loud and unfortunately so true, "Here We Go Again". This was my immediate reaction after reading the recently released Disparity Study on Public Procurement within Essex County, which was completed May 30, 2024, and covered the period of June 2016 - June 2021. This comprehensive study was conducted by MGT of America Consulting, LLC (MGT).

October 15, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Cheryl Tyler, Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, as the Keynote Speaker for the 15th Annual Circle of Achievements Awards Gala, which will be held on February 12, 2025, from 6 pm – 11 pm at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

October 14, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Gibbons, P.C. to serve as Government & Regulatory Affairs Counsel for the AACCNJ.

October 2, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the promotion of Carmen Gates and Vivian Harmon to AACCNJ Senior Leadership. Carmen Gates will serve as Vice President of Community Development and External Affairs Officer and Vivian Harmon, LSW will serve as Executive Director, Training & Development Institute effective October 1, 2024.

September 26, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) led a delegation of its members to Washington, DC to participate in a Reception/Forum with the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC) and Executive Leadership Council (ELC), on September 13th, 2024.

September 24, 2024-The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced that on Monday, September 23rd, John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, AACCNJ, Founder, President & CEO, gave testimony in opposition to a legislative package designed to address the findings of the NJ Disparity Study, A4586, A4725, A4724, A4722, before the NJ Assembly Community Development and Women’s Committee.

August 29, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that it will lead a delegation of its members to Washington, DC to participate in a Reception/Forum with the United States Chamber of Commerce (USCC), Executive Leadership Council (ELC), and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), on September 13th, 2024.

August 19, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Honorees for the 14th Annual Corporate Awards Dinner, which will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Cherry Hill, NJ on October 18th, beginning with a Cocktail reception from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner from 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Each year during the month of October, the AACCNJ hosts a Corporate Awards Dinner, to honor a select number of corporations and small business owners that have made significant contributions to the success of the AACCNJ and New Jersey.

August 15, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is proud to announce the graduation of two new Mercer County CDL drivers in partnership with the Driving Academy in Jackson, NJ. This milestone marks a significant achievement for both the graduates and the AACCNJ’s Training and Development Institute (TDI).

August 6, 2024- On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and members of the AACCNJ, thank you to ROI-NJ for the recognition and congratulations to all the ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024.  

A special congratulations to CEO Harmon, Chairman Mann, Vice Chair Smith, Director Dyer, Director Johnson, Executive Advisor & Brand Ambassador, Jacqueline Baptiste, and AACCNJ Members!

August 6, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is proud to announce that 60 students from McGraw Elementary School and KIPP Lanning Square Middle School in Camden, New Jersey, have successfully completed the NJ Kids4 Coding program. NJ Kids4 Coding, offered by AACCNJ's Mobile Academy, aims to address educational and technological disparities faced by underserved children by providing them with foundational skills in coding and game design, while also highlighting potential career opportunities in the technology sector. Takeerah Jones, founder of Busy Bees Learning Center, served as the instructor.

August 2, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that the Certified Association Executive (CAE) Commission of the American Society of Association Executive (ASAE) recently awarded Ferlanda Nixon, Esq., IOM, a CAE credential.

July 31, 2024-  The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced that it will be recognized as “The Chamber of the Year” at the 124th Annual National Black Business Conference, in Atlanta, GA on August 24, 2024, at the Booker T. Washington Black Business Black-Tie Awards Gala.

The National Black Business Conference (NBBC) will host 3 days of commerce-driven education, networking, exchange, and activity with events and functions tailored to meet the attendee and partner expectations, accessing a combined alliance of 120,000+ members and 400+ chambers/leagues throughout the country and abroad, at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel in downtown Atlanta Ga, from August 21 – 25th.

July 15, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) second annual Juneteenth Black Business Expo, received rave reviews, from its attendees and sponsors, and has been lauded as the premier Juneteenth business event in the state of NJ, for the second consecutive year. The organization celebrated its seventeen -year anniversary, on the Teaneck Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, site of the 2024 Expo.

June 28, 2024- John E. Harmon Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), delivered key insights on economic disparities and transformative opportunities at the annual Delta Day at the New Jersey State House on June 24, 2024. The event, hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, brought together sorority members, state officials, and community leaders for a day of engaging discussions on political awareness and involvement.

May 28, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that Governor Phil Murphy will make remarks as a Special Guest Speaker at their Juneteenth Black Business Expo on June 13th, at 10:15 a.m., at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, in the Bogota Savings Bank Center.

May 23, 2024- On behalf of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the more than 88,000 Black-owned businesses we represent across the state, I am urging Governor Phil Murphy to veto the recently passed OPRA reform legislation. This anti-transparency bill represents a betrayal of the trust placed in him by 94% of New Jersey's Black voters who turned out to elect him in 2017.

May 23, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) celebrated the success of 31 graduates of its New Jersey Reentry Entrepreneurial Program (NJREP) on April 23. This innovative program, offered in collaboration with Re-Entry Ventures Programs and with funding from the New Jersey Department of Corrections, equips incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge to launch their own businesses upon returning to their communities. For a period of eight weeks, participants delved into essential areas like business ethics, market research, marketing strategies, communication, sales techniques, public speaking, and securing funding.

May 3, 2024– The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the planning for the NJ Pilot of Driven By Equity (DbE) program, a transformative initiative to develop and advance minority, women and veteran owner-operator trucking businesses in partnership with the Minority Professional Trucking Association (MPTA), Task Force Movement (TFM) and Dixon Center for Military and Veteran Services.

April 22, 2024- The Training and Development Institute (TDI) of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is proud to announce the launch of its 2024 Spring workforce development series, reinforcing its commitment to providing access to high quality training designed to create pathways to long-term careers.

April 19, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is launching an essay contest for college students and high school seniors in connection with its upcoming Juneteenth Black Business Expo. The contest aims to engage students in a discussion about diversity, equity, and inclusion in government contracting and procurement.

April 19, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) announces Schnearia Ashley, Senior Vice President, Truist, CRA Community Development Manager, Truist – PA and NJ, as Vice Chair of the AACCNJ Community Board of Directors.

"I am deeply honored to serve as vice chair of the community board of directors for the African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey”, said Schnearia Ashley, Senior Vice President, Truist, CRA Community Development Manager, Truist – PA and NJ. “I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of our vibrant community.”

April 11, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Malcolm Jenkins as the Keynote Speaker, for the Juneteenth Black Business 2024 Expo, which will be held at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, NJ, on June 13, 2024, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. New Jersey native Malcolm Jenkin is a 13-year NFL veteran, two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro-Bowl honoree, NFLPA Executive Committee Board Member, entrepreneur, philanthropist, executive director, published author, an Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, CNN Contributor, and advocate for social justice.

March 21, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Honorees for the 2024 “Women Who Empower” Awards Luncheon, which will be held on May 9th from 11:30 a.m. –2:30 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Princeton – Conference Center, Plainsboro, NJ.

The 2024 honorees are:

Denise Anderson, Ph.D., MPH, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates, LLC.

Samantha DeAlmeida Roman, MA, MS, President, Associated Builders & Contractors, NJ Chapter

Waltasia Mansano, MS, PMP, Manager, PSE&G Clean Energy Jobs Program

Jacqueline King, MS, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Black Women Empowered, will serve as the Keynote Speaker.

March 14, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces U.S. Representative Donald Payne, Jr., as the Keynote Speaker for the State of Black NJ 2024 Economic Summit which will be held on April 17th, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Princeton-Conference Center, Plainsboro, NJ.

The Honorable Donald Payne Jr., will present keynote remarks, at the annual AACCNJ Summit, which serves as a platform for dialogue on public policies and the economic impact on Black New Jerseyans, and Black Businesses in New Jersey as it relates to education, health, workforce readiness and attaining an equitable share of economic opportunities within the public and private sectors of the state. 

March 8, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces its participation in NJ Disparity Study Presentation & Panel Discussion, on Saturday, March 9th from 10 am – 2 pm at the NJ Institute of Technology, in Newark, NJ.

C. Lawrence Crump, Councilman at Large, City of Newark, convened the panel discussion to ensure the information from the State’s recently released Disparity Study, was made available to the public at large.

The presentation on the Disparity Study, conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, will be led by Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC, and moderated by John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

February 26, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) seeks the support of the Murphy Administration, NJ State Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Assemblyman and Speaker, Craig J. Coughlin, and NJ State Representative, and NJ Legislative Black Caucus Chair, Shavonda E. Sumter, in its request for a moratorium and on all non-emergency public procurement contracts up to five million effective immediately.

February 8, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey's (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy announces its first Career and Resources Fair of 2024. Taking place on March 1, the event will be held at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Career and Resources Fair will offer a range of services to support individuals in their professional journey. Highlights include career coaching sessions aimed at guiding attendees through their career paths. Participants will have the opportunity to receive expert feedback on their resumes, enhancing their ability to stand out in the competitive job market.

February 8, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) hosted a town hall yesterday, with over two hundred in attendance, from 3 – 6 pm at the Crowne Plaza Princeton, Conference Center in East Windsor, NJ.  The meeting was convened to provide an open forum for discussion and included a presentation on the State’s newly released Disparity Study, conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, LTD.

February 2, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) announces new additions to its Governing Board of Directors. Dr. Denise Anderson, Founder & CEO, Denise Anderson & Associates (DA&A) LLC, William Bowie, President & CEO, Empower Construction, LLC, and Deborah Frazier, Wealth Management Advisor, LRG Wealth Advisors/Hightower, joined the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2024.

February 2, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy showcased its commitment to fostering collaboration and understanding within the business community with a successful event on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Middlesex College. The evening, themed “Can We Talk: What Do You Really Know About Generational Diversity?” unfolded as a multifaceted experience, beginning with a dynamic networking segment and light refreshments.

January 29, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces that the Honorable Tahesha Way, Esq., NJ Lieutenant Governor & Secretary of State, will make opening remarks at the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on February 22nd at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. 

“We are excited to have the Lieutenant Governor join us for our Black History Month Gala,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. “We are at a critical juncture for our co-existence in NJ. The Lieutenant Governor’s presence is significant and appreciated as we look forward to advancing a more intentional economic agenda to improve the social economic standing of Black people in NJ. This will be a night of Excellence on full display.”

January 26, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) will host a town hall meeting topic: “The Fierce Urgency of Now”- A Presentation on the State’s newly released Disparity Study, conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, LTD.

January 23, 2024- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) responds to the release of the Murphy Administration’s Disparity Study. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion oversaw the effort, which was the first study of its kind to be commissioned by the State since 2003. It was conducted by Mason Tillman Associates, LTD.

January 12, 2024- The AACCNJ announced that Gary Mann, CEO, Jasfel Analytics, and Viviana Lamm, CEO, Risk Strategies, will serve as Chairman and Chair of the AACCNJ Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Directors, respectively. Tammeisha Smith, CEO, Dunbar Center will serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. The appointments were effective January 1, 2024.

December 15, 2023- The Mobile Academy of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the upcoming session of its Can We Talk series. Following the success of the inaugural event in January 2023, which delved into the topic of antisemitism, the second installment will focus on the theme of generational diversity.

December 14, 2023– R. Stanley Prater, Chairman, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced that Gary Mann, CEO, Jasfel Analytics, and Tammeisha Smith, CEO, Dunbar Center will serve as Chairman of the Board and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, respectively, effective January 1, 2024.

November 6, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), in partnership with McGraw Hill Publishers (AACCNJ President’s Club member) and Trenton, NJ Public Schools, is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at enhancing the academic success of local students. This initiative, known as the "Reading Acceleration for Success" program, will focus on Daylight High School students and utilize McGraw Hill's acclaimed Achieve 3000 platform to accelerate reading growth and increase the number of students performing at or above grade level.

October 30, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce (NJCC) are pleased to announce that Wilbur C. Milhouse III, Chairman and CEO of Milhouse Engineering & Construction, Inc., will be a featured speaker at the 2023 DEI Trailblazer Awards. Milhouse, an award-winning entrepreneur with more than 30 years of diversified civil and structural engineering experience, has transformed his expertise into a global enterprise that has garnered national attention. His passion for community advancement led to the co-founding of Milhouse Charities in 2012, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting academic achievements and opportunities for minorities and underrepresented youth by supporting STEM-focused initiatives.

October 27, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the nominees for the 2023 DEI Trailblazer Awards. This event, now in its second year, aims to recognize companies and organizations that are making substantial strides in the areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The awards reception, which celebrates these nominees and awardees, will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Old Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, from 5-8 p.m.

October 23, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey's (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy is pleased to announce that its “I AM” Youth Leadership Program now includes schools located in New Jersey’s Atlantic and Mercer counties. Additionally, for the 2023-24 school year, the program will be offered simultaneously at three high schools: Atlantic City High School in Atlantic City, Foundation Academy Collegiate in Trenton, and Paterson STEAM High School in Paterson. This marks the largest number of cohorts the Mobile Academy has operated concurrently to date.

October 20, 2023- Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has appointed Mary O. Griffin, IOM, Vice President of Membership Retention and Relations of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey to the Northeast Board of Regents. As a member of this Board, Griffin will implement the policies created by Institute’s National Board of Trustees. 

October 20, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy is pleased to announce the formation of the AACCNJ Entrepreneur Academy. This eight-part program is tailored to empower new entrepreneurs and those considering business ownership by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their ventures. All classes will be free of charge, facilitated by seasoned entrepreneurs and consultants, and held in-person at Mill One located at 1 N. Johnston Avenue, Hamilton, NJ.

October 18, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey encourages you to use Wednesday, October 18th, to learn more about your  local chambers, and all they do to support the community!

Thank you to our members and volunteers who help make our chamber great. #ChamberStrong

October 10, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the honorees for its February 22, 2024, Black History Month Event; the Black-Tie, 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala, will be held from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ, in the Palazzo Ballroom.

October 9, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) served as the Platinum Event Partner of ProcurementCon 23, New Jersey’s small business government contracting, educational, and networking conference, held on Saturday, Oct. 7, in Jersey City. The New Jersey Small Business Development Centers at New Jersey City University hosted the daylong event.

October 9, 2023— The New York State Black Business Alliance (NYSBBA) announces an exclusive in-person Fireside Chat featuring John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments. This event is scheduled for October 18th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and will be hosted at 124 East 14th Street, NYC 10003.

September 19, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces its support of the House Resolution on the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) “Made in China 2025” Plan: A Bipartisan Call to Action for Congress, the Federal Government, and Private Industry to Bolster U.S. Innovation and Support Workers." Colloquially known as the "Leading Global Innovation Resolution” (Resolution), the Resolution condemns the unfair trade practices associated with the CCP's "Made in China 2025" (MIC2025) science and technology strategy. MIC2025 is aimed at bolstering China's leadership in crucial industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, maritime infrastructure, biotechnology, and agriculture science. While the AACCNJ acknowledges the right of any nation to pursue its economic development, it stands in solidarity with the United States House of Representatives in its efforts to shed light on the concerning aspects of this initiative.

September 21, 2023– The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced the establishment of the Diversity Finance Advisory Board (DFAB) which will work to increase access to institutional capital for women- and minority-owned startups. The board will provide knowledge, guidance, and insights on ways to best increase capital, access, and investments in New Jersey’s diverse entrepreneurs.

August 18, 2023– The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey's (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy announces the successful completion of its third cohort of the NJ Kids4 Coding program. This four-week summer initiative, held at the Capital Area YMCA in Trenton, New Jersey, witnessed the participation of 10 eager and talented students as they delved into the realm of video game creation. 

August 8, 2023- Institute for Organization Management (Institute), the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Mary Griffin, IOM, PMP, MS and Vice President of Membership Retention and Relations and Ferlanda Nixon, IOM, J.D., Chief of Policy and External Affairs of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), have graduated from the program and have received the recognition of IOM.

July 28, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Honorees for the October 3, 2023, Annual Corporate Awards Dinner which will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

July 20, 2023- The Training and Development Institute of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is thrilled to announce the launch of its new program, The Transformation Project. This initiative, supported by the Pathways to Recovery Grant from the NJ Department of Labor (NJDOL) is a collaborative between The AACCNJ and The JPI Group dedicated to providing workforce development training and employment services to individuals in Mercer County who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic.

July 17, 2023- To celebrate National Homeownership Month, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Mobile Academy and New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) debuted a new, free webinar series: “Pathway to Homeownership.” Topics discussed include grant and financing programs, closing cost assistance, and first-time buyer concerns. Attendees also receive direct coaching and assistance from real estate professionals during the live question and answer portion of the webinar.

June 22, 2023 – The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is delighted to announce the awarding of four scholarships to three outstanding seniors from Trenton Central High School (TCHS). Through its Pay It Forward Scholarship Program, the AACCNJ has granted a total of $10,000 in student awards, supporting the educational aspirations of these talented individuals.

June 21, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) inaugural Juneteenth has received accolades and has been lauded as a significant milestone on the same day as the organizations sixteen-year anniversary, June 15, 2023, at Montclair State University (MSU).

May 30, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) supports bill S3864 introduced by Senator Shirley Turner on May 15, 2023, and bill A5472 introduced by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli on May 18, 2023. Co-sponsored by Senator Teresa Ruiz, Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer, Assemblyman Reginald Atkins, and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr., the bills establish the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (Authority) within the Department of Treasury and appropriates $23,220,000 to cover operational, administrative, and other expenses of the Authority.

May 22, 2023- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams as the winner of the Art Contest for its inaugural Juneteenth Black Business Expo, which will be held on June 15th at Montclair State University (MSU).

The mixed media artwork entitled “City Underwater”, was selected as the winner of the “Black Entrepreneurial Excellence, Past, Present, and Future” Art Contest.  The AACCNJ will present Dr. Ellis-Williams with a grand prize of $1,500.00 during the Expo’s cocktail reception from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Conference Center at MSU. 

May 10, 2023 – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved three firms to manage the $20 million Black and Latino Seed Fund, the only investment fund across the country aimed to increase capital access for early-stage innovative companies founded by diverse entrepreneurs throughout the State. The capital for the Black and Latino Seed Fund were appropriated through the 2021 and 2022 state budget bills that Governor Phil Murphy signed into law. The NJEDA issued Notices of Investment Opportunities (NIOs) seeking experienced investment managers for the Black and Latino Seed Fund in February.

May 4, 2023- The Mobile Academy of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) held its first free work-readiness workshop on Saturday, April 22, at Kean University in Union County, New Jersey. A cohort of approximately 20 attendees gained insight on how to get a job or promotion and succeed in the workplace. Topics included Mining for Open Job Positions, Résumé Writing, Cover Letters, Interviewing Skills, LinkedIn Profiles, and General Business Etiquette. 

April 21, 2023 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) Training and Development Institute held Security Officer Registration Act (SORA) training in Mercer County. The training is 2-days of interactive instruction to become a NJ Certified Security Officer to secure employment in educational, commercial, retail and other business entities. AACCNJ partnered with the Secured Security Systems Training Academy in the second of a series of trainings targeting communities in Mercer, Passaic, Burlington, and Essex counties. 

April 19, 2023 - Fourteen men from Northern State Prison and eight women from Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women graduated from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) New Jersey Reentry Entrepreneurial Program (NJREP) on March 30, 2023. 

April 11, 2023 - The Mobile Academy of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) will host a free work-readiness workshop on Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Kean University in Union County. 

March 30, 2023 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is pleased to join the efforts of the Murphy Administration, CEO Council, and Rutgers University, to grow the participation levels of Minority and Women Business Enterprises in New Jersey with a dedicated group of local corporations.

March 29, 2023 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces Secretary of State Tahesha Way will attend the State of Black New Jersey Economic Summit which will be held on April 12th, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the APA Hotel in Iselin, NJ.

March 23, 2023 - The Mobile Academy of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is partnering with 40 Tons Careers and BrandRésumés to host a career fair in Hudson County Saturday, April 1, at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. The event will be held from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Mac Mahon Student Center. The career fair will connect jobseekers to hiring employers from various industries, including cannabis. Confirmed employer participants include AT&T, Audible, Carefinders Total Care, Green Thumb Industries, H2M Architects + Engineers, PSEG, and Zettes Auto Mall.

March 20, 2023 -  The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Honorees for the “Women Who Empower” 2023 Awards Luncheon. The Awards luncheon will be held on May 15th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at The DoubleTree by Hilton Cherry Hill Philadelphia, 2349 Marlton Pike West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002. 

March 16, 2023 - Senator Rice was the voice that we could count on to state our case with vigor, conviction, and a demand for reciprocity. The challenges confronting black people and black business owners will not be resolved in silence, we owe it to Senator Rice, to intensify the advocacy on the following issues that impact disposable incomes for black, brown and low-income residents of New Jersey:

March 15, 2023 - Nicole D. Baptiste, IOM, has been promoted to Vice President, Membership Acquisition and Financial Administration, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), effective, March 1, 2023.

"In this capacity, Nicole will work directly with me to grow our membership at all levels and increase the penetration of the mission of the AACCNJ, statewide," said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, of the AACCNJ. "Nicole has been contributing to the mission of AACCNJ for over 10 years. Additionally, Nicole recently graduated from the Institute of Organization Management Program (IOM), which consists of 96 hours of classroom instruction on how to run an effective chamber of commerce or business association. The IOM Program is conducted by the United States Chamber of Commerce.

March 6, 2023 - An open letter to Nike and Adidas by John E. Harmon, Sr. (AACCNJ)

March 6, 2023 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 23, for its Mobile Academy and Training and Development Institute (TDI) at AACCNJ’s headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey. AACCNJ Founder, President and CEO John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM; State Senator Shirley Turner; State Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson; Trenton City Council President Teska Frisby; AACCNJ Chair of the Board of Directors Stan Prater; and AACCNJ staff, members, and neighbors attended the event. Two large vans linked together by a traditional ceremonial red ribbon symbolized the mobility and breadth of each initiative.

March 2, 2023 – The night was full of Black excellence, powerful keynote speakers, and splendor at this year’s African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) 13th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala, which was held on Thursday, February 16th at the Venetian. The theme of this year’s special occasion was Raising the Bar, honoring five outstanding individuals who’ve exemplified remarkable leadership in business, community service, sports, and politics.

February 28, 2023 - On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the National Alliance for Black Business (NABB) signed a historic MOU during the NABB’s first annual National Black Business Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. The NABB was co-founded by the National Business League (NBL) and the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), which represent a combined 153 years of service to Black businesses and are now collectively working to organize a unified national black economic agenda.

February 22, 2023 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ)  hosted a Blockbuster 13th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala with over 600 in attendance on February 16th at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. 

February 17, 2023 - Officer Harry Dunn, a 13-year veteran of the Capitol Police Department and a real-life hero in a world that gives out the title to so many who don’t truly represent the ideals that come with the distinction, stood before a packed room at the annual gala of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey on Thursday night and spoke the truth.

February 2, 2023 - The AACCNJ's Mobile Academy hosted a panel discussion entitled "Can We Talk?" "What Do You Really Know About Antisemitism?" on Thursday January 26, at Middlesex College, in Edison, New Jersey.  Partnering with the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federations of New Jersey, the event assembled various communities and esteemed thought leaders to discuss antisemitism.

January 31, 2023 - The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the February 1st premiere of its new television show, “The Chamber Perspective” on RVN Television (RVNTV). The show will air at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 4th at 10:00 a.m.

January 23, 2023 - Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Nicole D. Baptiste, IOM, Director of Membership & Special Projects, of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE)certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend the Institute annually.

January 19, 2023 - Thirty-one (31) incarcerated persons at Northern State Prison in Newark, New Jersey, graduated from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) New Jersey Reentry Entrepreneurial Program (NJREP) on December 19, 2022. Funding for the eight-week program was made available in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC), Office of Community Engagement and Reentry Initiatives’ 2022 New Jersey Locally, Empowered, Accountable, and Determined (NJLEAD) grant.

January 10, 2023 - As we embark on a new year, we are ever mindful of the State of Black New Jerseyans, and the following statistics – Blacks have the lowest homeownership rates, the highest poverty rates, and unemployment rates and the lowest home ownership rates. Blacks net worth in NJ is $5,900 vs. Whites $315,000.00 (according to McKinsey). Moreover, the wealth gap between blacks and others in NJ continues to widen.

November 14, 2022 - Team Campus and Team Campus Phase II, subsidaries of K Johnson Enterprises, LLC today announced new phases to the "Live, Laugh, Play," Expansion to Team Campus Bordentown and Team Campus Phase II (together "Team Campus") a high-end mixed-use commercial, residential, and retail campus focused on health and wellness, residential apartments, retail space, self-storage, and medical office buildings. 

October 4, 2022-The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), announces the appointment of Jackie P. Taylor, U.S. Alliances & Ecosystems, Leader, Gov't and Public Sector, EY, to the Foundation Board of Directors.

“In our efforts to strengthen relationships across New Jersey, to provide mutual value we must continue to identify talented professionals that will serve as the conduit to achieve this goal”, said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

Jackie P. Taylor, EY will join the Foundation Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2022.

September 30, 2022- In response to the announced settlement between Lakeland Bank and the U.S. Department of Justice, John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) shared, “We pledge to continue to work with Lakeland Bank, as members of the AACCNJ, to foster deeper engagement within the communities we serve to derive maximum impact and mutual benefit.”

“Lakeland’s future commitments, along with its membership investment in the AACCNJ, has contributed to our growth and ability to assist our constituency. During the covid-19 pandemic we called upon Lakeland Bank to provide critical resources to our constituency during a devastating period for Black businesses throughout the state. Investments such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), support of our Minority Business Development Assistance (MBDA) Initiative, and technical assistance programs, provided much needed resources to address the impact of the pandemic on underserved communities,” said Harmon.

September 21, 2022-Today, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced it will host their Inaugural 2023 Black Expo.

"I am excited to announce that the AACCNJ will launch an inaugural “Black Business Expo” with the theme “A Legacy of Excellence”, said John E. Harmon, Sr., Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. This expo will be a Community, Public and Private Sector, Collaborative” and will be held on June 15, 2023, at Montclair State University."

September 12, 2022-Today, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced its establishment of the African American Cannabis Initiative (AACI). The AACI supports and promotes the creation of equity, business continuity and sustainability, and generational wealth for Black entrepreneurs engaged in the cannabis industry. The AACI provides a platform for advocacy at all levels of government and offers mentorship opportunities, monthly roundtable discussions, networking events, technical assistance, access to capital, and engagement with cannabis-industry thought leaders.

August 29, 2022-Fairleigh Dickinson University is pleased to announce that John Harmon, the founder, president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), has joined its Board of Trustees.

“I am honored that John Harmon is joining FDU’s Board of Trustees,” said FDU President Christopher A. Capuano. “John will be an important advocate for our students and alumni to ensure equity, diversity and social justice continue to be at the forefront of FDU’s strategic planning efforts.”

August 1, 2022-The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the addition of Gene Bouie, Executive Director, and Vivian D. Harmon, M.Ed., MSW, LSW, Senior Director, to lead the Training and Development Institute of the AACCNJ.

As an Eligible Training Provider for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the AACCNJ provides enrichment and job readiness training for unemployed workers who are planning to enter/reenter the workforce. The type of trainings performed varies depending upon the needs of the employers and/or the individuals.

May 18, 2022 —"This recognition is both gratifying and humbling. It embodies what is possible when you take full advantage of the opportunities presented to you and work towards excellence. It also confirms that Fairleigh Dickinson University's investment in me contributed to making New Jersey a better place to live, work and co-exist."

Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM

Founder, President & CEO

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) 

May 11, 2022 - The New Jersey Economic Development (NJEDA) Board today approved two contracts, one with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and one with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) to administer the Small Business Bonding Readiness Assistance Program. This program will provide small businesses with training and surety bonding education through a series of workshops and strategic consulting sessions designed to increase small businesses’ bonding knowledge and capacity.

March 31, 2022- Since the start of the pandemic, NJ Advance Media Cares provided more than $1.6 million in marketing support to help New Jersey businesses through one of the most economically devastating times residents and the business communities have ever experienced. At the same time, the NJ Advance Media newsroom launched N.J. is Open* to connect businesses with their customers.

March 29, 2022- "This recognition is both gratifying and humbling. It embodies what is possible when you take full advantage of the opportunities presented to you and work towards excellence. It also confirms that Fairleigh Dickinson University's investment in me contributed to making New Jersey a better place to live, work and co-exist."

John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO,

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ)

March 28, 2022- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Applauds Issuance of 33 Conditional Licenses for Recreational Marijuana Manufacture and Cultivation

March 15, 2022 - Having thought we had seen it all in our advocacy for fairness in the rates drivers pay for car insurance, we now face new challenge in the push to ban discriminatory practices in rate-setting.

March 3, 2022- Today, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced a new partnership with Gibbons P.C., the AACCNJ Pro Bono Alliance (Alliance), to provide certain pro bono legal services to AACCNJ members with annual revenues of $500,000 or less.

February 24, 2022- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), announces new appointments to the Foundation Board of Directors.

“In our efforts to strengthen relationships across New Jersey, to provide mutual value we must continue to identify talented professionals that will serve as the conduit to achieve this goal”, said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ.

February 24, 2021- AACCNJ Recognitions:

ROI: Power List 2022

2022 NJBIZ Power 100

NBCC 2021 Chamber of The Year

February 22, 2022- The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), hosted a Blockbuster 15th Anniversary Black History Month Black Tie Gala, at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ.

Ferreira was the Exclusive Event Sponsor for the 2022 Gala. Platinum Sponsors included: Davis EIS, Hackensack Meridian Health, Investors Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Kean University, Milhouse and PSEG. First Energy and Rutgers University – Camden were Gold Sponsors for the event. Silver Sponsors included: American Water – NJ, Comcast, Earle, East West Connection, Horizon, NJ Economic Development Authority, Northfield Bank, Provident Bank.

 February 15, 2022-John E. Harmon, Sr., Founder, President & CEO, The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) appeared live on Reverend Al Sharpton’s Show “Politics Nation”, on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST. 

“I enjoyed my conversation with Reverend Al Sharpton regarding the lack of Black Cannabis Businesses that have received a license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Out of 56 licenses to date, a sole “dispensary” has received a license. Blacks have disproportionately been adversely impacted, i.e., harsher sentencing, yet they are not receiving their equitable share of the economic prosperity stemming from the cannabis industry. Given the data on the Medical Cannabis licenses that have been issued, I am not overly optimistic based on the past, however, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to deliver for our people”, said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM.

January 27, 2022-Black entrepreneurs are outraged that New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has not awarded any cannabis licenses to any of the state’s Black entrepreneurs. 

"Based on conversations I've had, with stakeholders, out of the 56 licenses awarded to date, none has been awarded to a Black-owned business. People need to know what’s going on,” said the Founder, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM. “Many Black-owned businesses have been trying to get into the cannabis industry since 2012 when cannabis for medicinal purposes became legal in New Jersey. No Black-owned business received a license back then, and none has received a license since the legalization of cannabis for recreational use thus far,” Harmon stated. “It’s a costly proposition for Black license applicants to wait indefinitely while the CRC drags its feet in awarding licenses.” 

January 18, 2022-Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is pleased to announce that Nicole D. Baptiste, Director of Membership & Special Projects, of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), has recently completed her second year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”