CABA Salutes Community Stalwarts & the late Congressman Donald Payne

CABA Salutes Community Stalwarts and the late Congressman Donald Payne

By Allison Skeete

CLARK, NJ: - June 15, 2012 – The Caribbean American Business Association of New Jersey celebrated its 7th year of success with a gala dinner where Attorneys Joan O. Pinnock, James H. Wolfe III, and Printing Delite owner, Felipe Gomez were honored and a tribute was also paid to the late Congressman Donald Payne who had been a prominent supporter of CABA from its inception.  Congressman Donald Payne made history as the first African-American Congressman from the state of New Jersey; his son Donald Payne Jr. is continuing his legacy having recently won his father’s seat in elections.

(l-r: James H. Wolfe III, CABA President Vincent Huggins, Joan O. Pinnock & Felipe Gomez)

Joan O. Pinnock has established a prominent presence in the New Jersey and New York legalcircles; she’s been the resident expert in immigration law on WLIB 11:90 Radio for the show Immigration Talk in New York where she has one of her three offices, the others are in Englewood and Newark, NJ. In addition to her busy schedule Pinnock is an adjunct professor at Essex County College for the inaugural immigration law clinic at the school.  She’s the co-founder and chairperson of the Network of legal Professionals, the first president of the Jamaican American Bar Association, NE and is a member of many other organizations in the legal arena.  In 2007 Ms. Pinnock penned an article about the Urgent Need for Immigration Reform which was very well received and widely circulated when it was published.

Felipe Gomez who was born in Puerto Rico began his career in printing as a technician, his skills were encouraged by his employer A.B. Dick Printing Machinery Company; they sent him to Skokie, Illinois for advance training; this earned him a promotion with the company where he spent 10 years.  In1998 the opportunity for ownership came when Gomez moved from Pressman and Supervisor at Printing Delite when the owners decided to retire after 26 years in the printing business.  He hasn’t looked back since.  His loyal customers applaud his quality work; dedication and talent which keep them coming back and introducing new customers.  He’s a dedicated husband and father of four and has been active in the NAACP, YMCA, CABA and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Essex County.  He’s received numerous honors for his work and community involvement from the Mayor’s Office of East Orange, Inroads Northern New Jersey Inc. and Metropolitan Baptist Church College Ministry to name a few.

James H. Wolfe III, is a native of Orange, NJ whose illustrious career has a unique flair, he’s worked continuously and only in African-American owned law firms and he has been a partner at Brown, Lofton, Childress & Wolfe which became the largest African-American owned law firm in the state of New Jersey.  Currently he’s in Private Practice and is the Municipal Prosecutor for the Township of Irvington and the Planning Board Attorney for City of Orange Township.  He has a passion for giving back and serves as a mentor to many young men as well as dedicating time as a Board Member of the YMCA; serving as president of the Big O Booster Club which honors and financially supports scholars from Orange High School, his alma mater and he organizes the Annual Jesse Miles Track Meet.  This stalwart gave credit to his mother for her tenacity and love, all of her children and grandchildren have either earned college and post graduate degrees or both; a legacy he is clearly proud of and one that keeps him mentoring  many young men who have yet to dream and build their own legacy.
(l-r:  Councilman Anthony Davis, Vincent Huggins & Irvington Mayor, Wayne Smith – VisionsInPictures Image)
Capping the night’s event was a moment of silence and tribute honoring the late great Congressman Donald Payne who along with Senator Ronald Rice; Irvington Mayor, Wayne Smith and Councilman Anthony Davis have been consistent supporters of CABA.  The organization issued a letter of condolence to his office in March upon his passing and voted to pay him tribute as he was often a presence at many CABA events; he also provide input and advice on growing the organization and ensuring its viability in the community.  He is missed and we can never thank him enough said CABA President, Vincent Huggins, the Congressman was a true friend to the Caribbean American Business Community.

CABA Dinner Awards