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For Information Contact:
Jacqueline E. Baptiste
African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
[email protected]
www.aaccnj.com
609-571-1620
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 10, 2023
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Announces the Honorees for the
14th Annual Circle of Achievement Black-Tie Awards Gala
TRENTON, NJ — 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.
“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., IOM., Founder President & CEO, AACCNJ. "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 look forward to your attendance and support.”
The 2024 Gala themed “Leading the Way” is in recognition of the ancestral DNA of African Americans and those who courageously paved the way for past, present, and future generations of Black people in America. This annual Gala provides the platform, on behalf of AACCNJ members and the over 88,000 Black owned businesses in the state of NJ, to continue to increase the visibility of their businesses.
The AACCNJ will recognize the following individuals for their service and accomplishments in their respective fields:
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Public Service Award
Keith D. Wright, PhD.
Director, Business Diversity Operations
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Port Authority of NY&NJ
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“In Keith’s role as Director, Business Diversity Operations, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Port Authority of NY&NJ, he is one of the prominent voices of the PANYNJ,” said John E. Harmon, Sr. “We appreciate his willingness to consistently speak to our members about how the port authority does business with small businesses and outline the programs.”
“My appreciation for the work done by the AACCNJ has grown exponentially each year,” said Keith Wright. “ During the past five years I have watched them advocate, educate, and celebrate African American and Minority Businesses in our State. I am grateful and humbled to be recognized with the “Public Service Award” by the Chamber.”
Keith Wright shared his favorite quote from scripture: “Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatever a man (person) sows, that will he (they) also reap.” Galatians 6:7
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Community Service
Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, LCSW
Chief of Programming and Reintegration Services
New Jersey Department of Corrections
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“In her role as Chief, Division of Programs and Reintegration Services, at the NJ Department of Corrections (NJDOC), Dr. Sessomes has provided countless second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals, through NJDOC programs; she honestly believes in the importance of reintegration programs to help reduce recidivism in our communities," said John E. Harmon, Sr.
“I am humbled to be recognized by the AACCNJ,” said Dr. Patterson Sessomes. “The AACCNJ is the leading voice in NJ, fighting to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are elevated and given equal opportunity to be successful. We share in that mission, as I have dedicated my career to being a Sojourner for the same. This is my divine assignment. This award is special because it says, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”
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Business Award
Brett Hart
President
United Airlines
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“In his role as the President of United Airlines, Brett’s responsibilities are voluminous and we applaud his leadership, overseeing United’s global operations, external facing functions, including government affairs, market and community innovation, legal, global community engagement and business critical functions, said John E. Harmon, Sr.
Brett Hart - “United Airlines is a proud long-term partner of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, with a shared goal of driving meaningful change and impact. Our organization firmly believes that "Good Leads the Way," and one way we demonstrate that motto is by investing in the communities where we live, work and fly. I am personally humbled by the Business Award recognition and grateful for our continued collaboration to advance opportunities for African Americans in New Jersey.”
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Presidential Award of Excellence
The Honorable Benjamin Crump
Founder & Principal
Ben Crump Law, PLLC
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"Ben Crump’s legacy and contributions have led to significant advances in the arena of social and legal justice for Black people,” said John E. Harmon, Sr. “Crump has established himself as one of the nation’s foremost lawyers and advocates for social justice. We are thrilled that he has accepted the recognition and will join us to deliver remarks at our Black History month gala.”
“I am an unapologetic defender of Black life, black liberty, and black humanity and now more than ever we all have to be unapologetic", said Benjamin Crump, Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law, PLLC. “ The only way we will defeat the enemies of equality is to make sure that our children are more intelligent than those that would seek to oppress them.”
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"We are thankful to Truist, the Exclusive Event Sponsor for the 2024 Gala”, said John E. Harmon, Sr. “Truist pledged a significant contribution after attending the 2023 gala, and we are thankful for their leadership. We deeply appreciate their support and willingness to contribute to the success of the AACCNJ.”
“Truist is proud to partner with the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and to sponsor the annual Circle of Achievement Awards,” said Travis Rhodes, Truist regional president for Pennsylvania and New Jersey. “This event celebrates some of the most accomplished leaders in our state and spotlights the diverse tapestry of contributions they’re making in our community.”
The evening will begin with a “Black Carpet Experience” for the attendees; the honorees and guests will also enjoy a Cocktail Reception in the Grand Ballroom and will move to the Palazzo Ballroom for Dinner, dancing, and the Awards Ceremony. The MC for the Awards Gala is the actor Lamman Rucker. Rucker began his career on the daytime soap operas As the World Turns and All My Children, before roles in The Temptations, Tyler Perry's films Why Did I Get Married? Why Did I Get Married Too?, and Meet the Browns, and its television adaptation.
The AACCNJ hosted a Blockbuster 13th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala with over 600 in attendance on February 16th, 2023, at the Venetian in Garfield, NJ. This is certain to be another sold-out event. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.aaccnj.com, there are sponsorship opportunities and an early bird ticket price that ends on November 3rd.
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About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (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 pro-active advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.
About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. Truist has leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country and offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is a top 10 U.S. commercial bank with total assets of $555 billion as of June 30, 2023. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.
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