For former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, the adage of giving back to the community is not a tired clich?, but a cogent prerequisite that signifies success and should be a mandate for everyone.
The African-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) honored Dinkins, 84, last week in his native Trenton, N.J. Dinkins reminded the packed ballroom of small business owners, politicos and well wishers that while African-Americans have achieved much in the past, there is still more to gain and that it starts with helping others. Dinkins was the first and, to date, only African-American to serve as the Mayor of New York City. ?By resolving to draw upon all of this {past struggles of our ancestors}, we can build a better future for those who come after us,? he said.
Dinkins, along with AACCNJ president and CEO John Harmon, introduced new African-American Foundation Board Chairman Bishop David Evans. Evans presides over more than 27,000 members at the Bethany Baptist Church in Lindenwold, N.J. Evans will coalesce and initiate community involvement in an effort to infuse capital and interest in developing minority- and women-owned businesses (M/WBE?s) throughout the Garden State.
?This is a great time to be a Black business owner in New Jersey,? Harmon said. ?The opportunities to start and promote a business are plentiful and economic support is available.?
Lastly, the AACCNJ awarded pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and mega bank Wells Fargo the Corporate Support Awards for each organization?s support of M/WBE?s across the state.
