The Edge for October 2021
Aisha Taylor Issah was among the activists recognized at an Equal Opportunity Reception in Livingston hosted by the NJ Chamber of Commerce and the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ. (Russ DeSantis Photography and Video)“New Jersey is one of the most diverse states. It’s time to make it the most economically inclusive state.”
—John Harmon, president, CEO and founder, African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J.
The N.J. Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the African American Chamber of N.J. to produce a series of ‘Equal Opportunity Receptions' throughout the state. Two things are happening at these receptions. We are recognizing outstanding activists who are addressing the economic inequities that exist for Black citizens in the state. And we are presenting our goals for a more equitable economy in the state.
“This is a rallying call,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the N.J. Chamber of Commerce. “We will challenge businesses in every corner of the state to do their part to change the status quo.”
Our two Chambers are pushing for the awarding of more private and government contracts to minority-owned firms; for more Black and Brown people to be named to corporate boards; and access to more jobs for people that are minoritized.
“The trendy terms are D, E & I for diversity, equity and inclusion,” Harmon said. “Those words are nice, but without action, they are just letters.”
At our Equal Opportunity Receptions, we are pushing for change and we are amplifying the voices of the activists. Read below to see what some of these agents of change are saying.
Fastest Growing Segment of Entrepreneurs is Least Funded
“Women of color is the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs, but the least funded and the least supported. That has to change and I will not rest until it does.”
– Aisha Taylor Issah, CEO of Sistahs in Business Expo, the country's only multi-city, small-business expo created to celebrate and empower entrepreneurial women of color.
Counting the Jobs for People of Color
“I’m focused on making diversity work. I keep counting jobs for people of color and women. And I’m counting the dollars for people of color and women.”
– Bernel Hall, CEO of Invest Newark, the economic development organization.
For Love, Not For Money
“We do this out of love, not for money, but to help people rise. It’s about more than putting people to work. It’s about creating entrepreneurs. They go on to hire others.”
– Sean LaCon, founder and executive director of BLESSED Ministries in Newark, which transitions formerly incarcerated people and those with substance abuse backgrounds into employment.
Wanted: A Good Heart and Goodwill
“I looked for students who possessed two things: A good heart and a willingness to pass the goodwill forward.”
– Angel Santiago, the state teacher of the year who established the ‘Young People of Character’ program, which brings together fourth and fifth grade students from all walks of life to serve their communities.
It’s Not Charity
“This is not charity, it’s really good business. We focus on recruiting and training talent from the communities we build, and we want the people working in these communities to have careers in our company.”
– Joe Jingoli, CEO of Joseph Jingoli & Son. His construction company’s signature ‘Competitive Edge’ program generates jobs and mentorship to community members – often in urban areas.
In these Times, the Work is Even More Important
“With heightened awareness of racial justice and social equity issues, we believe our work has taken on even greater importance.”
– David Mackenzie, executive director, Center for Community Arts, which uses the arts to promote and teach the Black community history of Cape May County.
