In Power Moves, John recounts his journey of ascension, from humble beginnings as the fifth of seven children in a working class family in Trenton, New Jersey, to becoming one of the state's most influential businessmen. With unflinching honesty, he tells the tale of the man behind the prestigious titles, awards, and revered accolades. Offering up lessons and experiences that define his inspirational journey, he recounts life-altering moments from his chaotic childhood, the challenges and joys of fatherhood, and, of course, the moment he accidentally stumbled upon his purpose. His candid account of navigating corporate America as a Black man, details the many difficulties he encountered while building several Black Chambers of Commerce within his home state, and those nearby.
John E. Harmon, Sr. founded the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) in 2007, and it is now widely recognized as one of the state's preeminent organizations working towards economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs and businesses. As the Founder, President and CEO of AACCNJ, Harmon has been a vocal and active advocate on behalf of NJ's 1.2 million African American residents and the over 88,000 Black-owned businesses. Through his work, he's connected countless AACCNJ members and supporters to resources and opportunities that have facilitated their growth and success. Harmon is the former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Trenton African American Chamber of Commerce. In that role, he significantly expanded the group's membership and forged important alliances and partnerships in the public and private sectors. In his long and tenured career as a chamber executive, Harmon has received numerous awards and honors. In 2024, he was honored with the National Association of Corporate Directors Awards - non-profit governance award. In 2021 and 2022, Harmon was honored by ROI-NJ as the Number 1 Person of Color in NJ. He was recognized as one of the NJ Business Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Laureates. In 2022, NJBIA awarded him the highly coveted title of Executive of the Year. He was also recognized as a Center of Influence (COI) for the United States Army and was selected as a participant in the Joint Civilian Orientation 2018 Conference hosted by the Secretary of Defense. Harmon was the first individual selected as a member of the host committee for NFL Super Bowl XLVII held in NJ in 2014.Harmon hosts the award-winning AACCNJ monthly television show "Pathway to Success," as well as the Chamber's weekly radio show "The Empowerment Hour."Harmon holds an associate degree in Business Administration from Mercer County Community College and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 2022, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, from Fairleigh Dickinson University. And in 2024, Harmon was bestowed with an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration. from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ.Harmon grew up in a large, working-class family in Trenton, NJ. His father operated his own trucking business; his mother was a factory worker. In high school, Harmon studied auto mechanics and aspired to one day run his own business like his father. He has three sons, John Jr., Joshua, and Justin. He is a member of Higher Ground Interdenominational Church, in Ewing, NJ.
