Rising 2026 "Black Excellence"

AAJCC Annual Retreat Rising 2026 "Black Exellence" The Power of Our Voices

Join some of the nations most influential business leaders for an unforgettable day of innovation, inspiration, and connections that will transform your approach to success. Experience world-class speakers, exclusive networking, and breakthrough strategies.

Master Your Fear, Live Your Purpose

Key takeaways from the speaking engagement focused on integrating personal purpose and fear management into the business development process. The session is led by Dr.Anita Vincent, Industrial Organizational Psychologist and Business Consultant. The core message is centered on the idea that true business success is achieved not by avoiding fear, but by leveraging it as a catalyst for growth aligned with one’s core purpose.

Celebrate Culture

“Don’t Forget Where You Come From,” which focuses on leveraging one’s cultural heritage and personal history as a foundational, competitive advantage for business growth and market differentiation.

The session will emphasize that authenticity, rooted in one’s background, is the most powerful tool for attracting loyal customers and building a resilient, purpose-driven brand.

Lead-Uplift and Empower

The key theme and actionable takeaway from this speaking engagement will be focused on fostering leadership, promoting collective uplift, and building empowerment within the African American and Jamaican business communities, as well as for allies who align with these businesses. The session centered on the philosophy that sustainable economic growth is achieved through intentional community building and the cultivation of purpose-driven leadership.

Available Sessions

To register, you will be prompted to sign in.

Registration Opens April 1, 2026.

Event

You can attend this hybrid event either in person or online.

June 26- Networking and Dinner Event 6pm June 27-9:00 am to 4:00 pm Central Time June 28- 8:00 am-1:00 PM

The virtual conference will be recorded on June 27th.

Online

Closed captioning is provided for all events. Accommodation needs can be specified in a separate form after registration. For technical support or help registering for this event, please email: info@aajcc.org

Overview

Delivery method

Hybrid In-person Online

Duration

3 days (June 26, 27 and 28, 2026)

Audience

Open to the Public

Description

In partnership with the Black Executives Network and the Black Employee Caucus, this 3-day conference will bring together government officials, community leaders, and subject matter experts to explore government policy issues, priorities, and program themes related to Black communities in the US and Jamaica. While the conference will reflect on the commitments under the AAJCC, its broader focus will be to foster alignment of internal government efforts with the lived realities and needs of Black communities in the US and Jamaica.

Participants will explore key themes such as economic empowerment, health and wellness, technology, justice reform, and the role that government policies play in advancing racial equity for Black communities in the US and Jamaica. They will also engage in interactive workshops that address critical issues, including harassment and discrimination, challenges faced by Black women in the workplace, and mental health within the Black community.

We will open with an evening networking and casual dinner event from 6pm.

Visit Rising 2025: Black Excellence and The Power of Our Voices: Discover the line-up of speakers and explore the full agenda to be released March 2026.

The 2023 Event was sponsored by Vincent Management Group in Coordination with The UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce. The event was covered by the New York Times Union: This event was catered by Chef Sonja Hines and attended by some of the prominent businesses located in the Captial Region of New York. The AAJCC was proud to recognize and award Nicole Backus of Backup Staffing and Anthony, “Tony” Gaddy, President of the UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce, for their outstanding work in the community. All proceeds of the event were donated to the Shred Foundation. Our focus was on the impact crime had on the local businesses the SNUG organization presented on combating these issues. The Albany Mayoral Candidate, Dorcey Applyrs attended the event to meet with business leaders and learn how she can assist with the growth of businesses in Albany, the capital of New York State.

The UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce is a proud affiliate of the U.S. Black Chambers, INC

USNYBCC is expanding the economic footprint and advocating for Black and Minority businesses throughout Upstate New York. The UpState New York Black Chamber of Commerce was founded by Anthony”Tony” Gaddy, who has been an inspiration and mentor for the AAJCC.