TRENTON, N.J. — The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) hosted a blockbuster 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala with over 700 in attendance on Feb. 22 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J.
The AACCNJ 2024 Annual Awards Gala themed “Leading the Way” is the premier Black History Month event in the state of N.J. 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 N.J., to continue to increase the visibility of its members and their businesses.
The evening began with a “Black Carpet Experience” and VIP Reception, for the attendees; the honorees and guests also enjoyed a Cocktail Reception in the Grand Ballroom and later moved to the Palazzo Ballroom for dinner, dancing, and the Awards Ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Lamman Rucker, Actor, Activist, and Entrepreneur.
“Each year during Black History Month, the AACCNJ recognizes a distinguished group of African Americans that have attained a significant level of accomplishment in business, politics, education, community service, sports and entertainment,” said John E. Harmon, Sr. “This distinguished group of honorees represents the best in class in their respective fields and underscores the level of excellence within the Black demographic in the United States, we thank the attendees and sponsors for their ongoing support.”
The lead supporter of the 2024 Gala was Truist with a $50,000 grant from the Truist Charitable Fund, a donor-advised fund administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation, to support AACCNJ programs, including the Gala.
“For Truist, Black History Month is a way to honor the culture and celebrate the impact of this community as we work to fulfill our purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities,” said Travis Rhodes, Pennsylvania and New Jersey regional president for Truist. “We are grateful to partner with the African American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey and be part of such a special night. This work is key to the vibrancy and economic growth of New Jersey and beyond.”
The 2024 Gala Platinum Sponsor at $25,000 was Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Hackensack Meridian Health’s unwavering commitment to supplier diversity is a testament to our network’s belief in the power of inclusion and economic empowerment”, said Avonia Richardson-Miller, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Department, Hackensack Meridian Health. “As New Jersey’s largest and most integrated health network, our support of minority-owned businesses not only strengthens our communities but also ensures that all patients have access to the highest quality of care. We are honored to support the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for their exceptional leadership and for setting an example for others to follow.”
The 2024 Gala Gold Sponsors were Atlantic Health Center, Consolidated Edison, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Johnson & Johnson, Milhouse Engineering, PSEG, Provident Bank, Robert Wood Johnson, United Airlines, and Valley National Bank.
The 2024 Silver Sponsors included American Water, Atlantic City Electric, Atlantic Shore Winds, Citizen’s Bank, Davis EIS, Ferreira, Fulton Bank, Hermann Transportation, JCP&L, Lakeland Bank, Leading Light Wind, NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), NJ Children’s Foundation, NJIT, NJ Symphony, NJ Redevelopment Authority, PNC, SJI, and T & M Associates
“Another phenomenal event with unlimited opportunities to network with decision makers and potential partners, said Gary Mann, AACCNJ, Chairman of the Board, & CEO, Jasfel Analytics. “If you are a business in NJ and did not attend this event, you are at least six months behind our members and attendees in building a pipeline for your business.”
The Honorable Tahesha Way, Esq., Lieutenant Governor & Secretary of State made opening remarks at the 14th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on February 22nd at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ, in her role as Acting Governor that evening.
“We were excited to have the Acting 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, following the release of the state commissioned Disparity Study. The Acting 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. Privately, the Acting Governor reiterated the commitment of the Murphy administration,” said Harmon.
“We have issued a Call to Action. Our organization stands at a critical juncture, and we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact in collaboration with our strategic partners”, said Tammeisha Smith, AACCNJ, Vice Chair, & CEO, Dunbar Center, Inc. “Together, we will chart a course that not only sustains our present momentum but also paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
The Honorable Benjamin Crump, Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law; received the Presidential Award of Excellence. Helon Hammond, Vice President, Global Learning, People & Community Impact, United, accepted the Business Award on behalf of Brett J. Hart, President, United Airlines, Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, Chief, Division of Programs and Reintegration Services, State of New Jersey, Department of Corrections, received the Community Service Award. Keith D. Wright, PhD., Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Port Authority of NY&NJ received the Public Service Award.
More information can be found at www.aaccnj.com