On June 15, Montclair State College held the inaugural Juneteenth event by the African-American Chamber of Commerce. The maiden event was a success, according to organization founder, president, and CEO John Harmon, with over 500 attendees and 60 exhibitors.
“The goal of this event was to highlight Black businesses under the banner of Black Excellence,” Harmon added. I formed the African American Chamber of Commerce after Booker T. Washington founded the Negro Business League. He formed it in 1908 to promote Black entrepreneurship in America.”
Expo speakers included Aaron Samuels, Blavity co-founder, Dr. Kimberly K Holmes, Assistant Commissioner, NJ Department of Community Affairs, and Tara Dowdell, President of Tara Dowdell Group. Vista Equity Partners founder Robert Smith, a black millionaire, addressed delegates via video. Governor Phil Murphy gave the luncheon keynote.
Free food and beverages concluded the event.
Breakout seminars on politics, journalism, banking, and maternal health were offered throughout the day, along with a pavilion selling things and a food court serving Delta’s southern cuisine. Business matching workshops introduced Black firms to revenue opportunities at this event.
Hackensack Meridian Health, a sponsor, offered free health exams and information. This includes cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, stroke, and body mass examinations. Black Heart built the virtual art gallery XR. The Expo art contest winner won $1,500 during this display. Contest winner Dr. Antonnett Ellis Williams.
“If we are not intersecting with others we won’t be able to address our needs or gain access to capital,” Harmon said, adding that the AACCNJ will hold events throughout the year. In August, black business owners will speak at a Town Hall during National Black Business Month.
Register for events and discover more about the African-American Chamber of Commerce New Jersey at aaccnj.com.