CHAACA President
Tina Truitt-O’Neal
The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA), formerly the Cherry Hill Minority Civic Association, was organized in 1978 by a concerned group of African American residents. They sought a unified voice in the community and stood on robust principles that would ultimately lead to positive change. Along with these principles and the three pillars upon which CHAACA is built—Unity, Service, and Purpose—the organization has been and continues to be recognized by Cherry Hill Township, the Cherry Hill Board of Education, and the New Jersey General Assembly. CHAACA continues to grow, bring awareness to the community, and, as always, get into "good trouble."
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The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA) offers a range of impactful services, programs, and initiatives designed to empower and uplift the African American community. CHAACA provides scholarships to local students, supporting their academic journeys and celebrating their achievements through the annual Scholarship Celebration. The Juneteenth Parade and Festival is a vibrant community event that honors the rich history and culture of African Americans while fostering unity and pride. The Reverend Ivan George Essay-Video-Poster Contest encourages students to creatively express their understanding of Black history, inspiring engagement and education. CHAACA’s Black History Program highlights the significant contributions of African Americans, fostering cultural awareness and pride within the community. Through various outreach efforts, CHAACA engages with the broader Cherry Hill community, promoting initiatives that address pressing needs and advocating for positive change.
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We believe in building strong partnerships with like-minded organizations to uplift and support our community. Through collaboration, we create impactful programs and initiatives that foster growth. empowerment, and positive change for all.
We support the African American Culture Clubs at both high schools, provide opportunities for community service, advocate for youth in education and the community, and provide linkages to community resources.
Our organization champions equity for underserved, disabled, and underrepresented communities, advocating for fair treatment of all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or other differences.
CHAACA plays a key role in promoting diversity in leadership, actively supporting inclusive hiring for police, fire department, and school superintendent selections. We strive to ensure representation and equity in our community's key decision-making roles.
Since 1982, CHAACA has awarded over $350,000 in scholarships, supporting the next generation of leaders in Cherry Hill and beyond. This would not have been possible without the generous contributions from our members and community.
Our annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival is a vibrant celebration of freedom, culture, and community. Featuring local performers, vendors, and activities, it honors African American history while fostering unity and pride in Cherry Hill and beyond. Join us as we commemorate this important day together.
The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association, in partnership with the South Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Cherry Hill Township, and the Cherry Hill Arts Board, this free event features authors, artists, and food trucks, with select works available for purchase.
Since 2015, CHAACA's Essay-Poster-Video Contest has educated Cherry Hill students on African American contributions to U.S. history. In partnership with the Cherry Hill Public Library, the contest is open to K-12 students, and more than $12,000 in prize money has been awarded. In 2018, it was renamed the Reverend Ivan George Contest to honor his vision.
From the start, CHAACA's organizers recognized the urgent need to support the next generation in Cherry Hill and beyond. Our Bylaws reflect this commitment, dedicating us to the welfare of young people in their homes, schools, and community. In 1982, CHAACA began awarding scholarships to high school seniors who demonstrated scholastic excellence and embodied the values of "unity, service, and purpose."That year, five scholarships were awarded. Since then, CHAACA has provided more than $375,000 in scholarships. This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our members and the broader community. Over the years, many CHAACA members have played a key role in contributing to and supporting our scholarship efforts.
Beginning in 2025, CHAACA's scholarship will be named in honor of William "Bill" McCargo, who passed away on August 10, 2023. A longtime member of CHAACA and former President, Bill, along with his wife Pat, played a key role in securing major scholarship donations from companies and community members. Bill also served in the U.S. Air Force, as a Cherry Hill Police Officer (1969-1994), on the New Jersey State Parole Board, and as a Commissioner of the Cherry Hill Fire Department.
Over the years, many CHAACA members have generously supported our scholarships. Notable recurring scholarships include the Yolanda Jones Mapp scholarship for medical degrees, the Chanette Orange memorial scholarship for college support, the Arthur Lewis “Trailblazer" scholarship for academic leaders, the Lawyer Chapman scholarship for future teachers, and the Robin Miller scholarship for medical students. Additional scholarships have been awarded in honor of Neville and Hyacinth Holder, Evelyn Lewis, Joyce Walker, Renee Carter, Mayor David Fleisher, and others.
London University
CHAACA has been a valued organization in Cherry Hill for generations, bringing the African American community together and championing important issues on education and social justice. We are fortunate to have CHAACA as a community partner and it is a privilege to work with its members to foster a culture of respect and inclusion here in town, said Mayor Fleisher. “Cherry Hill is a better place because of CHAACA.”
CHAACA has had tremendous influence on the Cherry Hill community…past and present. I’m so grateful for their support as a community partnership a a voice for the African American community especially I’m also very appreciative for having been selected as the first Grand Marshal for the Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival in 2021. We have also participated in and supported the subsequent yearly celebration. If you live in Cherry Hill, you really should be an active supporter of CHAACA. They’re doing a great job! Thank you…
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Cherry Hill Mayor
CHAACA has been a valued organization in Cherry Hill for generations, bringing the African American community together and championing important issues on education and social justice. We are fortunate to have CHAACA as a community partner and it is a privilege to work with its members to foster a culture of respect and inclusion here in town, said Mayor Fleisher. “Cherry Hill is a better place because of CHAACA.”
President, Camden County East NAACP
CHAACA has had tremendous influence on the Cherry Hill community…past and present. I’m so grateful for their support as a community partnership a a voice for the African American community especially I’m also very appreciative for having been selected as the first Grand Marshal for the Annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival in 2021. We have also participated in and supported the subsequent yearly celebration. If you live in Cherry Hill, you really should be an active supporter of CHAACA. They’re doing a great job! Thank you…
Diversity Outreach Librarian. CHPL
The Cherry Hill Public Library and CHAACA have worked as community partners for over a decade. CHAACA always finds new and original ways to engage and serve our community. Some notable collaborations include: implementing a local Authors & Artists event at the Library, connecting the Library and Cherry Hill Public Schools for the annual Black History Month Contest, providing professional headshots in the Library for job seekers. Our partnership with CHAACA helps CHPL reach community members we might not see otherwise.
National Pan-Hellenic Council
The partnership between National Pan Hellenic Council and Cherry Hill African American Civic Association has been one of community empowerment through a shared vision for a better Camden County. These organizations have worked together during the Juneteenth events bringing different counties, historically black fraternities and sororities together to celebrate our shared culture, heritage, and community. The National Panhellenic Council, Camden County has participated in the community parade, the Divine 9 unity stroll, and provided voter registration information during the festivities.
The Cherry Hill African American Civic Association (CHAACA) empowers African American residents by fostering community participation, advocating for their rights, supporting youth welfare, and promoting leadership roles. Founded in 1978, CHAACA serves as a nonpartisan platform for engagement and information on political issues.
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