State of Black NJ 2026 Economic Summit
Leaders, Innovators, and Advocates Gather To Address Economic Growth And Opportunity
The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) hosted the State of Black NJ 2026 Economic Summit on April 16th at the Princeton NJ Marriott at Forrestal.
Distinguished keynote speaker, Reverend Al Sharpton, Founder of the National Action Network, shared powerful perspectives on his history with New Jersey’s political and business communities, the progress made, and the path forward.
The nationally recognized civil rights leader and advocate for social justice, Reverend Sharpton provided decades of insight into utilizing economic and political power to attain justice and improve outcomes for Black residents in New Jersey. The capacity crowd showed their appreciation with a thunderous standing ovation.
Addressing Economic Challenges And Opportunities
Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), spoke on the significance of the summit:
“This event is designed to highlight the economic standing of New Jersey’s 1.2 million Black residents and over 124,000 Black-owned businesses.
While data highlights significant disparities—such as a median net worth of approximately $20,000 for Black households versus $660,000 for white households, this summit convenes professionals from all sectors to foster intentional relationships and address systemic challenges.
Our goal is not to assign blame, but to share vital information and align strategically with best practices. By connecting resources and opportunities, we aim to improve the overall competitiveness of our state and build a stronger future together.”
Empowering Businesses For Long-Term Success
Panel discussions on a wide range of economic topics allowed attendees to gain insight into innovation, branding, access to capital, scaling operations, and learning how to position their businesses for long-term resilience and impact.
Gary Mann, Chairman of the Board, AACCNJ, and CEO, Jasfel Analytics, shared that the insights discussed provide a clear roadmap for how Black businesses can scale, compete, and move forward.
