The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey will celebrate Black History Month and the contributions of 124,000 Black-owned businesses in the state by honoring the achievements of six honorees at its 16th Annual Circle of Achievement Awards Gala on Feb. 19.
The black-tie event will take place from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Venetian in Garfield and features a cocktail reception, four-course meal, an award ceremony, music, and dancing. The evening begins with a “Black Carpet Experience” and VIP Reception, featuring Stedman Graham, for the honorees and sponsors.
For ticket and sponsorship information, go here.
The keynote speaker for the 2026 gala, themed “Forging Ahead,” is Michael J. Garner, MBA, Chief Business Diversity Officer, in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. AACCNJ Founder, President & CEO John Harmon Sr., will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.
Each year, the gala honors a distinguished group of African Americans who have achieved significant personal accomplishments and/or recognition in business, education, public service, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment, or culture.
“Having the opportunity to honor these amazing individuals fills the organization with immense pride,” Harmon said. “Each year the support for our black-tie gala continues to grow; we are looking forward to another phenomenal evening.”
The 2026 honorees include:
Stedman Graham, CEO, S. Graham & Associates
“As the CEO of S. Graham and Associates, a management and marketing firm, the author of 12 books, including two New York Times bestsellers and one Wall Street Journal bestseller, and lastly as an educator and speaker, we are pleased to present Stedman Graham with the “Excellence in Business Award,” Harmon said. “Stedman’s global training programs for corporations and educational organizations worldwide on the topic of Identity Leadership, based on the philosophy that one cannot lead anyone else until you first lead yourself, have been transformational.”
Floyd A.B. Rance III and Stephanie Tavares-Rance, Founders Run&Shoot Filmworks
“We are pleased to be able to honor Stephanie & Floyd Rance, with the Cultural Award in Excellence, their vision of creating a film festival to focus on Black stories, began 24 years ago, and has evolved into an annual event, with global presence and recognition,” Harmon said. “As the Co-Founders of the Academy-accredited Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, they are a true power couple, worthy of great recognition. We were honored to co-host an event, “Filming in the Garden State,” at this year’s festival.”
Karine Apollon, Chief Diversity Officer, New York City Department of Education
“We are pleased to bestow upon Karine Apollon the Excellence in Education Award,” Harmon said. “In Karine’s role as Chief Diversity Officer in the New York City Department of Education, she serves as a transformational senior leader with a proven record of excellence. Karine has led successful initiatives with integrity and impact in both non-profit and corporate organizations.”
Adenah Bayoh, CEO, Adenah Bayoh and Companies
“As a local giant in her industry, we are excited to have the opportunity to honor Adenah Bayoh with the “Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Real Estate Development Award,” for her contributions to New Jersey as an entrepreneur, real estate developer, and as one of the youngest IHOP franchisees in the U.S.,” Harmon said. “Adenah’s personal story, including immigration to the U.S. at age 13 after the family fled the civil war, is one of courage, what an incredible journey.”
Tanya L. Freeman, Esq. Managing Partner Callagy Law, P.C.
“We are pleased to honor Tanya Freeman with the Excellence in Public Service Award,” Harmon said. “Tanya is part of a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities; a membership that is limited to one percent of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction. Tanya’s leadership as the Chair of the New York State Black Business Alliance has been instrumental in increasing the visibility and impact of the organization in the region.”
For more information, go to the AACNJ’s website here.
