The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ), in partnership with the Administrators Network, proudly announces the inaugural Educators of Color Leadership Symposium, taking place on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Crowne Plaza-Princeton Conference Center.

This first-of-its-kind statewide convening will bring together more than 300 educators, administrators, and thought leaders committed to advancing equity, innovation, and leadership excellence in New Jersey’s educational systems. The symposium will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking sessions designed to empower and elevate diverse voices in educational leadership.

The event is made possible through the generous support of McGraw Hill, the Symposium’s Dean’s Circle (Title) Sponsor, and the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), our esteemed Lifetime Learner Sponsor.

“This symposium is more than a gathering—it’s a movement,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO of the AACCNJ. “By partnering with the Administrators Network, we are reaffirming our commitment to building inclusive leadership pipelines and ensuring that our schools reflect the brilliance and diversity of our communities. This is about creating opportunities and advancing a vision for systemic change.”

Founded by a collective of educational leaders throughout the state, the Administrators Network has long served as a hub for mentorship, advocacy, and shared learning for leaders of color across districts.

“Our goal is to shift the narrative and create a platform where diverse leadership is celebrated, developed, and sustained,” said Dr. Robert M. Tull, Jr., co-founder of the Administrators Network. “This symposium is an affirmation of our excellence and a strategic opportunity to build bridges across systems, sectors, and communities.”

This year’s symposium will feature dynamic keynote presentations by two nationally renowned educational leaders: Principal Baruti Kafele and Steven A. Bollar. Principal Kafele, an award-winning educator, author, and motivational speaker, is celebrated for his transformative work in urban education and leadership development. Steven A. Bollar, widely known as “Stand Tall Steve,” is an engaging speaker and school culture expert who brings humor, insight, and practical strategies to empower educators and inspire school improvement. Their powerful messages are expected to energize and equip attendees with fresh perspectives and tools for success in education and leadership. The symposium will spotlight innovative practices in school leadership, culturally responsive pedagogy, career pathways for aspiring administrators, and solutions to the equity challenges facing New Jersey’s students and school districts.

This initiative is part of AACCNJ’s broader mission to drive economic equity and workforce innovation, recognizing the pivotal role of education in shaping New Jersey’s future.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are currently available. For more information or to register for the event, visit www.aaccnj.com/eoc.

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey:

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) is dedicated to economically empowering and sustaining African American communities and businesses through entrepreneurship and capitalistic initiatives throughout the state of New Jersey and through its partnership with the National Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc. AACCNJ joins the top 3% of all chambers in the U.S. that are accredited, is the only accredited chamber in New Jersey, and is the only accredited African American chamber in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federation.

The AACCNJ performs an essential role in the economic viability of New Jersey. While providing a platform for New Jersey’s African American business leaders to speak with a collective voice, the AACCNJ advocates and promotes economic diversity fostering a climate of business growth through major initiatives centering on education and public policy. The Chamber serves as a proactive advocacy group with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption, which is shared by the National Black Chamber of Commerce.

Administrators Network:

A statewide collective of over 170 superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and educational administrators, the Network exists to support, empower, and elevate male leaders of color through collaboration, resource sharing, and professional development; and do so in a space that will provide opportunities for engaging in professional dialogue, challenging of craft knowledge and professional purpose, creating and strengthening professional relationships and Networking

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