Gibbons Honored at AACCNJ State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) presented Gibbons P.C. with an Equity Partner Award at the organization’s State of Black NJ 2025 Economic Summit, held March 25 at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal in Princeton, New Jersey. The AACCNJ, the only accredited African American chamber in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federation, paid tribute to Gibbons for helping the organization meet its mission “to provide equitable opportunities to diverse businesses.”

“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that prioritizing equity can have on businesses, communities, and the broader economy,” noted AACCNJ Founder, President, and CEO John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM. “Gibbons affirms its role as a leader in fostering a corporate culture where all individuals can thrive. This courage sets a benchmark for others and reassures underrepresented groups that their contributions and presence matter in meaningful ways.”

Robert L. Johnson, Gibbons’s Chief Diversity Officer, accepted the award on the firm’s behalf after serving on a panel to discuss the New Jersey Disparity Study. The firm was recognized, in particular, for its representation of the AACCNJ’s position on this study, which was released in January 2024 and revealed that Black-owned businesses were awarded just 1.25 percent or less of state contracts, in all categories, between fiscal years 2015-2020. The organization subsequently formed a Disparity Study Task Force Committee to recommend solutions. Mr. Johnson, also AACCNJ’s Board Secretary, is a member of the Committee.

The firm was acknowledged as well for its partnership with the AACCNJ on the AACCNJ Pro Bono Alliance. Established in 2022, the Alliance supports AACCNJ member companies in launching, sustaining, or advancing their operations. Through the Alliance, which focuses on small women- and minority-owned businesses, especially independent practitioners and legacy companies, Gibbons attorneys across practice areas volunteer their time and talent to provide legal counsel on a range of matters, including employment law, real estate, intellectual property, cyber security, and much more. In one instance, the firm’s attorneys assisted a business in a civil action to secure possession of a property that the business had purchased in foreclosure. To date, Gibbons attorneys have donated hundreds of pro bono hours to assist AACCNJ members.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from the AACCNJ, with whom we have partnered to provide much-needed support to small businesses in need,” remarked Peter J. Torcicollo, the firm’s Managing Director. “Our commitment to the AACCNJ and its members remains strong as we all work to decrease disparities in the business community and help small companies thrive.”