Get Ready for the AACCNJ Juneteenth Black Business Expo with Malcolm Jenkins

Join Us for an Unforgettable Juneteenth Celebration at the AACCNJ Black Business Expo

As we approach another Juneteenth, a day rich with history and significance, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) is thrilled to invite you to the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey’s (AACCNJ) Black Business Expo on June 13, 2024. This event promises to be a remarkable convergence of culture, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, all taking place at the Bogota Savings Bank Center, Fairleigh Dickinson University.

This year's theme, “The Journey Continues,” encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and dedication that characterizes our community's ongoing struggle towards equality and economic empowerment. We are especially proud that our founder, Malcolm Jenkins, will be delivering the keynote speech. Malcolm will delve into themes from his new book, *What Winners Won’t Tell You*, discussing the critical lessons learned from both his victories and setbacks. His journey from a celebrated NFL player to a successful entrepreneur embodies the resilience and dedication AACCNJ aims to highlight at this year’s expo.

The expo will feature an array of activities tailored to inspire and support entrepreneurs and community members, including:

- Innovative exhibits from up to 90 local businesses

- Matchmaking sessions to connect entrepreneurs with mentors and investors

- A business corner offering professional headshots to enhance your professional presence

- A pitch competition to spotlight emerging business ideas

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, expand your network, or gain new insights into overcoming professional challenges, this event is for you.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to see you there and celebrate the power of community and entrepreneurship together!

See you there!

For information on tickets, vendor registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit Juneteenth Black Business Expo (aaccnj.com)

Spreading Joy and Support: The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation’s Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise in Newark, NJ

This holiday season, The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) brought joy and much-needed support to the Newark community through its annual Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise. In a heartfelt initiative led by Malcolm Jenkins, author, philanthropist, and two-time Super Bowl Champion, TMJF and its partners provided 155 deserving families with not only a holiday feast, but also toys and other essentials, embodying the spirit of giving and community support.

Since its inception, the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise has been a cornerstone of TMJF’s efforts to combat food insecurity, particularly during a time of year that can be financially stressful for many families. This year, the need was more significant than ever with rising food costs deeply affecting the community. In response, the foundation, along with its community partners and volunteers, worked tirelessly to assemble and distribute festive holiday dinner baskets filled with nutritious and festive foods.

The baskets included everything needed for a full holiday meal: turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, green beans, cornbread mix, collard greens, mac-n-cheese, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, condensed milk, chicken broth, bread, apple juice, and even an apple pie. Additionally, each basket contained utensils, plates, a roasting pan, and a holiday greeting card personally signed by Malcolm Jenkins.

This wonderful event was made possible through the generous support of Amerigroup and contributions from the Black Leadership Forum at Prudential, which organized a toy drive. Students from KIPP Newark Collegiate Academy also played a crucial role, volunteering their time to assist with the packing of the baskets. Their involvement underscored the importance of community service and the impact of youth participation in charitable activities.

Sharmaine Lewis, Founder and Student Leader at KIPP Newark, remarked on the significance of the school hosting the event for the second consecutive year, emphasizing the value of providing such opportunities for students to give back to their community.

Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, TMJF President & CEO, highlighted the ongoing challenge of food insecurity, particularly during the holiday season. She noted, "This time of year is especially hard for families. For the past 13 years, we have held this event in multiple cities of the Foundation’s footprint, as we’ve observed the rapidly growing number of people, especially children, who experience food insecurity.”

TMJF extends its gratitude to all the sponsors, partners, and volunteers, including ShopRite of Newark, Brookdale ShopRite, individual donors, and the various community partners listed at the end of this release. Their support is invaluable in making the Holiday Dinner Basket Surprise a success year after year.

As we move forward, TMJF is calling on the public to support these initiatives by making a donation. Every contribution, regardless of size, can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need. To help, please visit https://www.themalcolmjenkinsfoundation.org/donate.

This holiday season, through the combined efforts of all involved, TMJF has not only provided meals but has also strengthened the fabric of the community, ensuring that the spirit of the holidays is a reality for all, regardless of their circumstances.

Malcolm Jenkins Continues tradition of funding scholarships for College Track Graduates

A TRADITION SINCE 2012

2012 Malcolm Jenkins Scholars at College Track New Orleans

College Track New Orleans “Launch to College” event celebrates more than 400 students on the path to a four-year college degree

On Friday, May 22, 2020 The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation joined College Track New Orleans leadership and students in a virtual celebration of high school seniors continuing on in their pursuit of high learning to a four-year college degree and setting a new standard for students within New Orleans. 

In 2008, College Track expanded to New Orleans with an inaugural class of 50 freshmen. Today, more than 400 high school and college students are on the path to and through college, making College Track the largest college completion program in the city.  This year, 100% of the 50 high school seniors are setting a new standard for students across New Orleans:

• 50 seniors will matriculate to a four-year college

• 16 seniors have earned full-ride scholarships to universities including Smith College, Tulane University, Yale University, Franklin & Marshall College, Columbia University, Cornell University, Bryn Mawr College, Bard College, Scripps College and Wake Forest University

College Track’s success in New Orleans is due in part to the 8-year partnership with The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Since 2012, the Foundation has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to College Track students, funded out-of-state college tours, career exposure events, job networking workshops and supported matriculating college freshman with final exam study baskets.

VIRTUAL AWARD CEREMONY

During the Zoom conference ceremony, New Orleans area high school graduates were surprised by a virtual visit from New Orleans Saints Safety Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins and his mother, Gwendolyn V. Jenkins, the Jenkins Foundation's President and CEO.

Twenty (20) seniors were recognized as Malcolm Jenkins Scholars and will receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship from The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. Seventy (70%) of the 2020 Malcolm Jenkins Scholars are first-generation college students.

““This outstanding graduating senior will now be able to sharpen their personal story, using LinkedIn, PowerPoint, and other digital power skills, with a new Microsoft Surface Go 2. ”

— — Malcolm Jenkins

Wilfred Wright - 2020 Malcolm Jenkins Scholar and Virtual Brand Experience Winner

MICROSOFT SURFACE GO 2

A Microsoft Surface Go 2 computer was awarded to the winner of the foundation's Virtual Brands Experience.  

All Seniors were invited to participate in this year's story-telling competition.

Higher Learning: Maximizing Your College Experience

After learning of the virtual ceremony Brian Stevenson, PhD provided an ebook link of his recently released book Higher Learning: Maximizing Your College Experience, to share with the twenty scholars. The book focuses on college, but is really about life, and making your way forward.

About College Track

College Track is a comprehensive college completion program that empowers students from underserved communities to graduate from college. From ninth grade through college graduation, our 10-year program removes the academic, financial, and social-emotional barriers that prevent low-income and first-generation students from earning their college degree. In 1997, we started with 25 students in East Palo Alto, and today, we have nine centers located in underserved communities across California, Colorado, Louisiana, and the D.C. Metro Area, with more than 3,000 students on the path to upward social mobility. For more information, visit: www.collegetrack.org