About Us
What makes us different?
We are a non-partisan organization. Our tradition has consistently resisted facile categorization. While the majority of chambers of commerce adhere to strict definitions—either strictly professional or exclusively social, focused on creativity or corporate endeavors—we have perpetually transcended those restrictive confines. We fundamentally reject the imposition of such limiting boundaries.
This reimagined chamber seamlessly blends the sophistication of an upper-echelon social club with the functionality of an elevated chamber of commerce with advocacy at our forefront. For an annual membership fee, members gain access to all the luxuries and an ideal environment for networking with global business leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
This exclusive community is designed specifically for founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs, fostering a vibrant culture of community-building among high-achieving leaders. We seamlessly blend the worlds of business and lifestyle, while providing an environment where members can network, collaborate, and share experiences in a professional environment, while advocating for change and enjoying the company of like-minded individuals. With a strong commitment to professional development and personal growth, we offer tailored events, workshops, and resources that empower members to elevate their businesses. Through our unique approach, we cultivate lasting connections and a spirit of collective success among today’s most ambitious leaders.
Our Leadership
Shannon Vincent
Shannon Vincent, Co-founder of the African American and Jamaican Chamber of Commerce, is a native of Jamaica who immigrated to the US in 2009. He continues to maintain a home in Jamaica and is an Associate Health Psychologist dedicated to contributing to his community there.
Mr. Vincent’s professional goal is to enhance knowledge and quality of life by partnering with healthcare facilities. He provides education, training, and consultative services to physicians and healthcare practitioners on chronic and difficult-to-treat health conditions, emphasizing how mental health can improve medical outcomes.
He is a highly credentialed professional, holding licenses as a nurse, assisted living administrator, and counselor, as well as being a certified dementia practitioner. His credentials are recognized in both the US and Jamaica. Academically, he holds a Post Masters Degree in Advanced Psychology, a Master of Science in Health Psychology, and a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies with a concentration in Psychology.
Anita Vincent
Dr. Anita Vincent
Dr. Anita Vincent, affectionately known as “Doc Anita,” is the co-founder of the African American and Jamaican Chamber of Commerce, a venture she started with her husband in 2008. Although an American national without Jamaican family roots, she has fully embraced the Jamaican culture and considers Jamaica her home.
With a long-standing passion for business, Doc Anita is also a licensed nurse with over 30 years of experience, similar to her husband. Her extensive career in the U.S. includes work as a consultant. In addition to being a licensed counselor, she is a licensed nursing home administrator, an author of several healthcare textbooks, and a professor of psychology.
Her academic background is robust, featuring a doctorate in DMin (Christian Education), a Ph.D. in Psychology, an M.S. in Psychology (Industrial Organizational Psychology), an M.B.A., and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Psychology, all obtained in the U.S. These qualifications have been certified as equivalent in Jamaica, where she practices as a counseling and industrial organizational psychologist. Having founded multiple successful businesses, Dr. Vincent now dedicates her efforts to fostering the growth of businesses within the African American and Jamaican communities.
We are a non-partisan organization committed to working with individuals, organizations, and sponsors affiliated across (political) party lines. We aim to hold crucial conversations that allow us to work together for the betterment of our communities, regardless of affiliation to a specific political party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chamber of Commerce a government agency?
Although the Chamber works closely with all local and regional government agencies and
municipalities, it is a private, not-for-profit association, governed by a board of directors.
The Chamber is an active member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
It is an organization of business people within a national or regional community dedicated to creating and maintaining a favorable business climate and safeguarding the interests of the
members
How long has the Chamber of Commerce been in existence?
The Chamber was founded in 2008, initially as a Management and Consulting Firm and
evolved into a US-based Chamber of Commerce.
How is the Chamber funded?
The Chambers’ overall operating revenue comes from membership dues, Chamber programs, events, and from non-dues related revenue, such as sponsorships or
donations.
I have a very small business, should I still join the Chamber?
Yes, working with small businesses is our specialty; Our membership consists of small businesses with 50
or fewer employees and large corporations spanning across the United States, all
parishes of Jamaica and globally.
Are you a U.S based company ?
Yes. We were first established in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2008, and then expanded to regional offices in New York, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. As a family-founded organization with our heritage tied to Jamaica, in 2024, we decided to expand into Jamaica, becoming an organization dedicated to helping both American-owned and Jamaican-owned businesses grow and compete globally.
How do I join the Arican American and Jamaican Chamber of Commerce?
Unlike other chambers of commerce, we are unique in the sense that we offer membership by invitation or application approval only. We do this because we want to vet our members and ensure we are protecting the reputation of all our members and aligning ourselves with organizations that share our vision and dedication. By attending our events and getting to know our members, you have an opportunity to be invited to join us. We require an application and interview, along with a majority vote by our executive board.
How much does it cost to join the chamber?
We offer memberships from as low as $25 for those who would like to join as a learner. This enables you to attend our training and events. Those who are invited to become full members must pay annual dues and may align with a regional chapter. These fees vary based on the structure and size of your organization.
Is the African American and Jamaican Chamber of Commerce only open to African Americans and Jamaicans?
No. Anyone who aligns with our mission to support the growth of African American and Jamaican businesses may be invited to become a member. We do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, national origin, disability, or age for participation in our programs, services, and activities, or in employment, religion, or any other means of discrimination.
Is there a specific criteria for membership?
Yes. The minimum requirements are based on annual revenue, references, number of years in business, and other criteria set forth and implemented by the executive board.
How are you different than other chambers?
Our founders are applied psychologists specializing in industrial organizational psychology, specifically trained as consultants. We offer services to our members that normally only large Fortune 500 companies can access. These services include start-up, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, auditing, compliance, accreditation, and a range of business, networking, event planning, and other business services. Our members receive a unique business membership card and access to clubs and events that are usually closed to the public.
Can I contact someone to learn more about AAJCC?
Yes. Please email info@aajcc.org or book an online session with our membership coordinator.