TRENTON, NJ — February 22, 2022. 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.
The evening began with a “Black Carpet Experience” 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.
“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, 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 you all for your attendance and ongoing support.”
The 2023 Gala Platinum Sponsors included: Johnson & Johnson, NJM Insurance Group, Milhouse Engineering & Construction, PSEG, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Gala Gold Sponsors included: CURE Auto Insurance, Hackensack Meridian Health, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, NJ Redevelopment Authority, and Valley National Bank.
The event was a celebration recognizing the accomplishments and contributions made by individuals and businesses within the African American community that were the embodiment of this year’s Gala theme “Raising the Bar”. Attendees enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing and networking while celebrating this year’s honorees.
The Honorable Bonnie Watson Coleman presented the Gus Heningburg Award to Officer Harry Dunn, and the Politics Award was presented to Mayor Marty Small by The Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark, NJ.
Honorees:
Diversity In Sports Award - Kenneth Bentley, CEO, Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour (APGA Tour)
Community Service Award - Natalya G. Johnson, Esq., Senior Counsel, Johnson & Johnson, President, Garden State Bar Association
Community Service Award - Brenda Ross-Dulan, Founder & Managing Principal, The Ross Dulan Group
Politics Award - The Honorable Marty Small, Sr., Mayor, City of Atlantic City, NJ
“We have eclipsed another milestone in our journey to deliver excellence for our constituency. It’s very rare that one can claim success in the present, but tonight is a success for the organization”, said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. “No one is successful on their own, the AACCNJ has a staff that is committed to excellence, and are laser focused on our mission.”
This annual Gala 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 our members and their businesses.