Building strong Black-owned businesses is essential to the continued empowerment, economic mobility, and sustainability of underserved communities throughout New Jersey. The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is proud to present the Third Annual Juneteenth Black Business Expo on Thursday, June 12, at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will kick off the Expo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., located in front of the iconic campus lion.
This year’s theme, Resilience is Our Heritage, highlights the legacy of economic perseverance and excellence within New Jersey’s Black business community. For generations, Black entrepreneurs have faced and overcome substantial challenges while making meaningful contributions to our state’s economy. The AACCNJ continues to honor that legacy by providing access to critical resources, opportunities, and information to empower entrepreneurs and foster collaboration between the private and public sectors and community stakeholders.
We have made significant strides since the era of Booker T. Washington’s Negro Business League, and the historic legacy of Black Wall Street. Yet, recent shifts in economic equity initiatives remind us that intentional partnerships and inclusive policies remain more critical than ever. Together, we must do more to close opportunity gaps and strengthen pathways to success for Black-owned enterprises across sectors. Your participation would demonstrate meaningful support for our shared goal: ensuring that New Jersey’s Black business community thrives and contributes to a more inclusive economy.
We are honored to welcome Governor Phil Murphy for the third consecutive year, along with keynote speaker Dr. Boyce Watkins, best-selling author, speaker and founder of the Black Business School. The Expo will feature corporate and small business exhibitors, a health fair in partnership with Capital Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, a fireside chat with Dr. Watkins, interactive sessions, matchmaking opportunities, and much more.
AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey; we provide a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice; and we advocate and promote economic diversity, fostering a climate of business growth through strategic initiatives centering on education and public policy. Through our mission we have created an ecosystem of diverse industries and professionals seeking to leverage each other for mutual benefits.
The Chamber serves the business community as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c)3 tax exemption status. We are the only accredited Chamber of Commerce in NJ, and the only accredited Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., a distinction bestowed upon us by the largest business federation in the world, the US Chamber of Commerce. The AACCNJ has set a standard in its unwavering advocacy for equity and inclusion based on value imperatives fostered by transparency and accountability. These are essential components to improve our state’s competitiveness.
We encourage you to register today and share this invitation with your family, friends, faith leaders, and professional network. We look forward to welcoming you to this momentous occasion and thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Please visit www.aaccnj.org for details on sponsorship opportunities. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact: Jacqueline Baptiste at jbaptiste@aaccnj.com.
Thank you in advance for your continued support!
John E. Harmon, Sr.
Founder, President & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
