On February 28, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) will host the 6th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala. This black-tie affair will take place at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees, NJ.
Every year during Black History Month, this gala recognizes a prestigious group of African American NJ natives who have excelled in politics, business, education, sports, and entertainment. And this year’s gala will recognize the following individuals for their successes and role in the community.
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman
Accepting one of the Politics Awards for the 6th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala is Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman. Known for her role as representative for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, she has worked to improve the lives of economic and socially disadvantaged populations.
Watson-Coleman is the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in Congress and the first African American woman to be the chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. She is also the first African American woman to serve as the majority leader of the New Jersey General Assembly.
She is also known for her dedication to reforming prisoner reentry programs and the protection and preservation of the environment and natural resources. On top of that, she’s committed to improving the lives of working families as a supporter of minimum wage increases.
Senator Ronald Rice
Receiving the second Politics Award is New Jersey Senator Ronald Rice. He’s currently the senate representative for New Jersey’s District 28, and throughout the years, he has held roles such as associate minority leader, assistant deputy minority leader, and assistant majority leader.
In addition, Rice serves as the vice chair for the Community and Urban Affairs Committee, co-chair of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools, and a member of the Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
Emma Massey
Emma Massey is the recipient of this year’s Gusheningburg Award at the Circle of Achievement Awards Gala. She heads the locally renowned Massey Insurance Agency in Newark, NJ, as the vice president with her daughter and CEO Ramelle Massey.
Considered a staple in the business community, this mother-daughter–owned female minority business is one of the top 50 insurance brokerages in the state and provides professional services to those in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
Warren Thompson
Warren Thompson, president and chairman of Thompson Hospitality, will accept this business award at this year’s gala.
Thompson has been recognized for his charitable actions and efforts as well as his hard work to promote diversity in business. During his career, he’s received the Humanitarian Award from the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference and was one of SmartCEO’s Future 50 award winners in 2013.
He has also served on the board of directors for corporations such as Compass Group of North America and Pepsi-Cola’s African American Advisory Board.
Attending the Gala
In addition to the distinguished group of people listed above, the Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala will feature retired General Russel Honore of the US Army.
Those interested in attending this event will need tickets. For members of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, tickets are $175. Tickets for non-members are $225.
If you’re in Turnersville, Cherry Hill, and Mount Laurel resident and are interested in seeing this year’s award recipients, be sure to make plans to attend!
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