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The AACCNJ announces Schnearia Ashley as Vice Chair of Community Board of Directors

TRENTON, N.J. –- 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.”

“Having a partner to help me continue to pave the way will be a privilege,” Viviana Lamm, CEO, Risk Strategy Solutions, and Chair, AACCNJ Community Board of Directors. “Our Vice Chair will add a refreshing approach to the success of our community board.”

“I look forward to working with our new Chair and Vice Chair of the Community Board of Directors to design strategies that will derive value for our members and those that invest in the mission of AACCNJ while contributing to the competitiveness of New Jersey,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, & CEO, AACCNJ.

 

Please visit the links for more information:

https://www.aaccnj.com/board-members

 

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders, to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

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Mercer County to present 3 ways to safely vote in NJ for upcoming Primary, General Elections

Mercer County Board of Elections will have a presentation at the County Library in Lawrence on May 21 to educate the public about the three ways to vote in N.J. for the upcoming Primary and General Elections, and to demonstrate  the safeguards that are  in place to protect county elections.

They will also  provide a demonstration of the Dominion Voting Machines.

With a Presidential Election year underway, Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, Superintendent of Elections Walker M. Worthy, Jr., and Board of Elections Chair Jill Moyer invite constituents to a comprehensive presentation aimed at educating the community on the various voting methods available in New Jersey and the ballot design changes for the upcoming Primary Election. The event will feature a live demonstration of the Dominion Voting Machines, which will be utilized during Election Day. The event will be held at the Lawrence Branch of Mercer County Library System on May 21st at 6pm.

“We are dedicated to fostering an informed electorate,” stated County Clerk Sollami Covello. “This presentation serves as an invaluable opportunity for constituents to familiarize themselves with the voting methods available to them, as well as the new ballot design for the Primary Election.”  “They will also gain hands-on experience with the Dominion Voting Machines,” added Superintendent Worthy. Chairwoman Moyer added, “Many people are still not aware that early voting is a great way to cast your vote and to avoid lines at the polls. We will explain how convenient it is as well.”

For more information on this event contact the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at 609-989-6820. For more Election related information, visit the Clerk’s election page, or New Jersey Department of State – Division of Elections – NJ Voter Information Portal, call the County Clerk’s Election Office at 609-989-6495. For polling location questions, or to become a poll worker, you may contact the Mercer County Board of Elections Office at 609-989-6522 or visit their website at Board of Elections

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Spain’s ‘Society of the Snow,’ ‘20,000 Species of Bees’ sweep the Platino Awards

In a triumphant night for Spain, J.A. Bayona’s Oscar-nominated “Society of the Snow” swept the top prizes at Platino Xcaret, named after the venue of the annual Platino Awards this year, which took place at the Xcaret Park, Riviera Maya, Mexico.

 

Argentina cinema’s plight, exacerbated by far-right president Javier Milei’s closure of its film institute, INCAA, was also on many people’s minds.

 

Courtesy of Netflix

Citing veteran Argentine filmmaker Adolfo Aristarain as one of his inspirations, Bayona said upon receiving his best director award: “Argentina, we are here standing by your side, you’re not alone.”

 

Bayona’s harrowing account of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash, from which only 16 people survived after 72 days stranded in the Andes, became Netflix’s second most-viewed non-English film of all time. “I wouldn’t be here without the book that Pablo Vierci wrote,” said Bayona, who also thanked his cast and crew, upon winning best feature.

 

Basque director’s Estibaliz Urresola’s acclaimed debut feature “20,000 Species of Bees,” about an eight-year-old girl struggling with her gender identity, was also a big winner, grabbing four awards, including best first feature.

 

Xcaret also became the backdrop for a gathering of Argentine filmmakers and their supporters from across Ibero-America to protest the disastrous changes impacting Argentina’s lauded film industry – boasting 25 Platino nominations this year.

 

Chile also snagged big wins at this 11th edition, with Pablo Larrain’s “El Conde” and Maite Alberdi’s poignant docu, “The Eternal Memory,” both Oscar-nominated, clinching awards. The venerable Chilean thesp Alfredo Castro won best actor in a series for his performance as Salvador Allende in “The Thousand Days of Allende.”

 

“It’s likely that there will be few Argentine films next year,” lamented Argentine actress Cecilia Roth, who was bestowed the Platino Honorary award. “For me, the Platino Awards is like an entire country where we can cross paths, interact, and tell each other stories,” she noted. “Our industry is fragile, let’s keep nurturing it,” she added. In contention at this edition were projects from 23 countries.

 

“They’re killing our cinema, they’re killing our culture,” declared Argentine actor-singer Andy Chango, the first called onto the stage to win an award for his performance in the mini-series, “El amor después del amor.”

 

Argentina’s Daniel Burman, winner of best creator of a TV mini-series or series award for “Iosi, the Regretful Spy” (“Iosi, el espia arrenpentido”), produced by The Mediapro Studio’s Oficina Burman for Prime Video and noted by the New York Times as one of the best TV shows of 2023, also called out the crisis in his country.

 

“Society of the Snow” also took home the audience award for Best Ibero-American Film, given the day before the main event.

 

Meanwhile, “Burning Body” (“El Cuerpo en llamas”) won the audience award for best miniseries or series, while Enzo Vogrincic for “Society of the Snow,” Dolores Fonzi for “Blondi,” Santiago Korovsky for “División Palermo,” and Úrsula Corberó for “Burning Body” took home audience awards in the acting categories.

 

 

Read More

 

 

— Variety

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Mercer County Exec Benson announces ‘Mercer Path Forward’ initiative

MERCER COUNTY — Mercer County is proud to announce a new initiative, Mercer Path Forward. This initiative underscores Mercer County Exec. Dan Benson’s dedication to supporting the well-being of county residents who were previously incarcerated.

Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for its residents to thrive, Mercer County has taken a proactive step by collaborating with The Glory Firm and Morph Mentoring to provide expungement services and workforce development assistance to residents impacted by the justice system.

“Our Path Forward program will reduce barriers for individuals in search of employment, public assistance, education, housing, parental rights, and voting,” said County Executive Benson. “These are members of our community who have completed their sentences, and deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”

The Glory Firm, a minority and woman-owned law firm, brings expertise and a commitment to justice to this partnership. Led by Managing Partner Valisha Desir, Esq., an esteemed alumna of The College of New Jersey, the Glory Firm is well-equipped to provide compassionate and effective legal support to Mercer County residents seeking to have their record expunged.

“Mercer Path Forward exemplifies Mercer County’s dedication to fostering a supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Both Mercer County and The Glory Firm are enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve county residents and assist them in moving forward,” said Valisha Desir, Esq.

Morph mentoring’s curriculum is meticulously designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge sought by employers in today’s competitive job market. Courses cover a wide range of topics from basic computer literacy to advanced job readiness skills.

“Through the Mercer Path Forward program, Morph mentoring embodies a fusion of compassion and mission-driven purpose. We are dedicated to transforming lives by offering a second chance at success through holistic career development, fostering professionalism, and creating pathways to prosperity,” said Dr. Chelsey Brunson.

Mercer Path Forward exemplifies Mercer County’s dedication to fostering a supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Mercer County is enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve county residents and assist them in moving forward.

Path Forward services are free to the public. You must apply to be accepted. Mercer County representatives will be on site to assist interested residents at three public events.

Application and Participant Screening on:

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at the Mercer County Connection located at 957 Highway 33, Hamilton, NJ 08690 (Hamilton Square Shopping Center)
  • Monday, June 10, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at the Mercer County Community College 102 N. Broad Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 (James Kerney Campus, 2nd Fl.)
  • Monday, June 17, 2024 from 1pm to 7pm at the Mercer County Office Park at 1440 Parkside Ave., Ewing, NJ 08638 (Kitchen Teaching Room)

For inquiries, email to mercerpathforward@mercercounty.org.

Mercer County strives to enhance community services and resources, creating an environment where every individual can thrive. Through collaborative efforts and a dedication to serving its diverse population, Mercer County is working to be an example for the entire State.

These services are made possible through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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Applications now open for Mercer County Student Internship Program

MERCER COUNTY — Applications are now open for the 2024 Mercer County Student Internship Program.

High school and college students who live, or attend school, in Mercer County may apply to a wide range of full-time and part-time internship positions. Internship opportunities are available over the summer from June through Labor Day, with a limited number of spots also available over the Winter Break and Spring Break periods.

“I’m excited for the Mercer County Student Internship Program to return this year,” said County Executive Dan Benson. “These positions offer us an opportunity to engage our next generation of leaders in the important work of county government. We all benefit from the energy and enthusiasm that they bring to the work.”

Students in the program will have the opportunity to serve the public by assisting the core day-to-day work of a department or division within the Mercer County government, while acquiring valuable experience for their future careers. Participants will also benefit from a series of activities planned by the Office of Personnel, curated to teach valuable skills, enhance workforce preparedness, and provide information about career paths in public service.

Interested students can visit the Mercer County website to apply, find information on the program, and read details on available positions.

College students will be paid $17/hour and high school students will earn $15.14/hour. All applicants must be at least 15 years of age. Students seeking to earn credits for their college or university have the option of working without pay.

The application deadline for Summer Student Internships is May 3

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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The AACCNJ announces Malcolm Jenkins as Juneteenth Black Business 2024 Expo speaker

Retired NFL Veteran, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist Malcolm Jenkins will join John Harmon in a conversation about his career and professional journey as an entrepreneur.

 

 

TRENTON, N.J. – The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announced Malcolm Jenkins as the Keynote Speaker, for the Juneteenth Black Business 2024 Expo, which will be held at Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, N.J., on June 13, 2024, from 9 a.m. to  4 p.m.

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.

Jenkins created MALCOLM INC., a holding company for the various business verticals he co-founded; LISTEN UP MEDIA, a multimedia production company with the mission to showcase and distribute content that creates social awareness around systemic issues in society; BROAD STREET VENTURES, a $10 million investment vehicle funded entirely by Black and Brown investors including a group of fellow NFL players; DISRUPT FOODS, a multi-unit franchise developer and operator of 20+ quick service restaurants aiming to level the economic playing field for Blacks and Hispanics through Franchise Ownership; and DAMARI, a custom clothing company which includes ready-to-wear and made-to-measure men and women suits. As a philanthropist Jenkins strives to make a positive difference in the lives of youth in underserved communities through his non-profit, public charity, THE MALCOLM JENKINS FOUNDATION, who are proud members of the AACCNJ.

“I am humbled to stand alongside the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for their Second Annual Black Business Expo. As we honor Juneteenth and delve into “The Journey Continues,” I am eager to share my journey in entrepreneurship and what it’s taught me about the enduring spirit of our community. In spaces like these, we chart a course forward, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and unwavering determination,” said Malcolm Jenkins.

“We are extremely excited to have Malcolm Jenkins share his full portfolio of experience and commitment to demonstrating Black Excellence every day, said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. “His voice is critical today and beyond as we drive our mission of an equitable coexistence in New Jersey and America,” said Harmon.

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Mercer County announces Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Awards Dinner

MERCER COUNTY — The Mercer County Park Commission is proud to announce the Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2024. This year’s honorees have made extraordinary achievements in the field of tennis and expanded the popularity of the sport.

The Class of 2024 includes Jim Cryan, Co-Director of the Cryan Memorial Tennis Tournament; Mike Ehrenberg, longtime Director of the G. Nelson Green Memorial Tournament; Ginny Mason, a founding member and continuous supporter of National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton (NJTL); Glenn Michibata, a Wimbledon Doubles Semifinalist and Princeton Tennis Program Teaching Professional; and Betty Sander Thompson, who is receiving a posthumous honor and had received a USTA Umpire Emeritus Award for 32 years of service.

The Hall of Fame dinner will be held on Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m. at the Boathouse at Mercer Lake in Mercer County Park, West Windsor.

“I’m pleased to announce this year’s Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame honorees,” said County Executive Dan Benson.

“Mercer County produces incredible talent in every field imaginable and I’m always thrilled for an opportunity to highlight the leaders in our community. Thanks to the work of the Mercer County Park Commission, the Mercer County Tennis Center isn’t just a place where people can play the sport, it is a center for the tennis community in our region.”

Marc Vecchiolla, Director of the Mercer County Tennis Center, has been the Hall of Fame Chair for 12 years. Throughout his tenure, he has found each year’s honorees to be incredibly inspirational.

“Their shared love of tennis has made each inductee monumentally influential to thousands within Mercer County and beyond,” said Mr. Vecchiolla. “The Park Commission is proud to recognize the indelible contributions the inductees have made to our tennis community.”

The Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame was initiated in 1992 by the Mercer County Tennis Council to recognize people with ties to the County who have made outstanding contributions to the sport. Since the dissolution of the Tennis Council, the Mercer County Park Commission has overseen the nominating committee, voting process and dinner committee. The Hall of Fame honors individuals for their involvement in competition, education, officiating, recreation, media, industry, or in the advancement of tennis.

Induction ceremonies are held every four years, with the honorees selected by 50 leaders in the area’s tennis community. Criteria for induction stipulate that “the record of achievement must be balanced by a reputation that can be admired and respected. Membership is intended to represent a highly selective group.”

Tickets for the Hall of Fame dinner are $100 per person. For more information or to receive an electronic invitation, please contact Marc Vecchiolla at mvecchiolla@mercercounty.org or by phone at (609) 448-2088.

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org.

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Mercer County announces second phase of zero-interest rate loans to businesses through a partnership with the UCEDC

MERCER COUNTY — Mercer County Exec. Dan Benson and the Board of County Commissioners are excited to announce that the County will partner for a second phase with UCEDC to establish a 0% Interest Loan Program for small businesses in Mercer County.

Dedicating an additional $240,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, to be administered through the Mercer County Office of Economic Development, the program will allow Mercer County businesses to apply for affordable access to capital. The UCEDC will provide loans on a first-come, first-served basis utilizing current lending products and capital.

“Small businesses represent the life-blood of our local economy here in Mercer County, “said Mercer County Exec. Benson.

“In extending our interest-free loan program we are excited to give our Mercer County small businesses a meaningful jolt to spur economic development.”

“We are thrilled that Mercer County is extending UCEDC’s contract, leveraging another $500K in interest-free loans. This will provide more assistance to entrepreneurs, building on the $750K we’ve already distributed through our partnership. It’s a privilege to contribute to the success of Mercer County small businesses and make a positive impact on local communities in New Jersey,” said UCEDC President Adam Farrah.

The program will require the following:

  • Businesses must be located in Mercer County, registered with the State of New Jersey and must have been formed on or before September 1, 2019.
  • Businesses must have 30 full-time equivalent employees or less at time of application and have less than $10 million in annual gross revenue based on most recent tax return.
  • Loans will range from $10,000 to $20,000.
  • Loans will be offered at 0% interest, with a five-year repayment term.
  • Funds can be used for working capital, inventory, or purchases of furniture and equipment.
  • No collateral requirements, pre-payment penalties, processing, closing, or application fees will be required.
  • Personal guarantees of the significant owners of the business (10% or greater) are required.
  • Applicants must not have had a bankruptcy or significant charge-offs within the most recent 3-year period.

Based on the maximum loan amount of $20,000 and the parameters above, Mercer County will provide funding to approximately 26 businesses in the target market.

Please click here to see the flyer for the Mercer County Zero-Interest Loan Program or here to apply.

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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Mercer County selects Artworks to install community-themed public mural on Cass Street

TRENTON, N.J. — Mercer County and the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage (MCDC&H) announced that Artworks, the Trenton-based visual arts center, has been selected to design and install a public mural. The mural to-come, entitled “Breaking Barriers,” will visualize the power art has to connect a community.

“Artworks has been a valued community partner for many years, and I’m excited to see work begin on the project,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.

“Public art provides an opportunity for a community to express its values, its passions, and its hopes. This mural will serve as a lasting testament to the incredible creative talent in our Capital City.

In a ‘Call for Artists,’ the MCDC&H opened submissions for the Mercer County Cass Street Prison Mural Project (MCCSPMP) to professional, practicing artists and artist teams living or working within the tri-state area (N.J., N.Y., Conn. and Pa.). Qualified artists were asked to propose an original design to be installed on the exterior 319 ft (w) x 19 ft (h) wall of the New Jersey State Prison located at 600 Cass St, Trenton, N.J.

The County received over 50 proposals. All qualifying proposals were then reviewed by a committee composed of public art experts, an arts administrator, a NJ State Prison representative and the MCDC&H. The committee narrowed the proposals down to six finalists, who then presented their proposals live in Phase II of the process.

After a thorough deliberation, Artworks came out on top.

“Artworks Trenton’s proposal stood out for its ability to capture the essence of what the grant aims to achieve,” Samuel Kanig, Program Coordinator at The Center for Community Engagement at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) and a MCCSPMP Committee member said.

“I’m excited about the collective of artists that will be working on the mural and the creativity they individually bring to the project. The Cass Street Mural is sure to be an inspiring community landmark.”

A team of seven artists will be working together to represent Artworks on this project. Artists collaborating on this design are Jonathan “LANK” Conner (Project Manager), Leon Rainbow and Jose “Busta” Bustamente (Lead Artists), Dean “Ras” Innocenzi, Dave “Mek” Klama, Alia Bensliman and April Cooper.

“Artworks is thrilled to have been selected for this project and is proud to be working with an amazing group of local artists led by Leon Rainbow and Jose Bustamente,” Conner said. “We look forward to creating a beautiful mural that represents the city and can be enjoyed by Trentonians for many years to come.”

Artwork’s concept for the mural is a celebration of arts and culture in the City of Trenton. In their proposal, the team described the upcoming mural design as a representation of the power that art has to “break down barriers: mental, cultural, spiritual, financial, and institutional.”

Each of the seven artists involved in the creation of this mural plans to bring a different perspective to their design, both through different artistic styles and through their individual cultural backgrounds. Together, the artists plan to make a connection between the diverse artistic styles and backgrounds of the group and the diverse community of the capital city.

“I was delighted to serve on the Art Selection Committee with our colleagues at Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage,” said Stephanie Nerbak, Artist Services Manager at the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

“This project was a perfect fit for the team at Artworks Trenton. Their knowledge of the city, engagement of community members and local artists, combined with their strong design will make a terrific contribution to the neighborhood of South Trenton.”

Artworks will spend the Spring and Summer months workshopping and installing this mural, with an anticipated completion date in the Fall of 2024. To follow along with its development, follow MCDC&H on Facebook (Mercer County Culture and Heritage Commission) or on Instagram (@MercerCountyCultureHeritage).

“The Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage is looking forward to seeing Artworks’ mural design come to life,” Idamis Pérez Margicin, Division Chief of Mercer County’s Division of Culture & Heritage and MCCSPMP Committee member said.

The MCCSPMP is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and is being administered by the Mercer County Division of Culture & Heritage on behalf of County Executive Dan Benson and the Mercer County Board of Commissioners.

For additional information, please reach out to Theo Siggelakis at TSiggelakis@Mercercounty.org

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Passage Theatre 2024 Gala: Our biggest and best yet!

On Saturday, April 6, Passage Theatre held its Annual Gala at the Trenton Country Club, where it was a great success, with over 175 guests.

 

They say this year’s Gala was the biggest event in Passage history, and that they thank their patrons and donors.

 

“You have been with us throughout the years as we have brought great storytelling to our Trenton communities.”

 

Passage honored Trenton’s own Phillip McConnell with the Artisan Emerging Award, Maria Richardson with the Patron of the Arts Excellence Award, and the Poor Righteous Teachers with the Cultural Leader Award.

 

The evening’s highlight was a live performance by Wise Intelligent & Culture Freedom, of the Poor Righteous Teachers. It was an epic and incredible night, celebrating the large and supportive community around Passage Theatre.

 

“We want to thank each one of you for your outstanding love, passion and support of Passage. If you would like to contribute to the success of this event and help propel Passage into the future of professional theatre in Trenton, it isn’t too late to donate,” states Passage Theatre management.

 

They plan to continue with their next production, Word On Front: A Spoken Word Festival, on May 3 and 4, and they ask that you continue to support the work they do.

 

“Your donation  will greatly impact not only Passage, but also the communities who need and enjoy the arts in and around Trenton.”