In his role as the president and founder of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, John is indeed an influencer and an agent of change in our state and he has been for more than two decades. John has called out injustices and has pointed out where positive changes can be made. He has urged companies and government agencies to hire more Black-owned contactors. He has urged companies to put more Black people on their boards. And, through his Chamber, he has created a place where Black business owners can break down barriers.

We are fortunate to have John on the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and we are proud that our two Chambers recently partnered to address, through five measurable actions, the economic inequities facing Black citizens and Black-owned businesses in our state.

Four other members of the N.J. Chamber Board of Directors were recognized for their accomplishments and appear on ROI-NJ’s list. They are:

·    Carlos Medina, chair of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey;

·    Marjorie Perry, president & CEO of MZM Construction;

·    Rev. Dr. Deforest “Buster” Soaries, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens;

·    Ralph Thomas, CEO & executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

Congratulations to all on this well-deserved honor.