By Micha Green | The Washington Informer
In a celebration that included a pre-reception, a delicious three-course dinner and powerful panels, JPMorgan Chase commemorated five years of its Advancing Black Ways (ABP) initiative on February 22. Organized at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)The event highlighted the ABP’s many efforts to empower Black communities and provided an opportunity to celebrate Black brilliance, resilience and excellence.
“I consider it a privilege to stand before you during Black History Month at this magnificent Black museum, dedicated to celebrating the rich Black history of struggle, resilience and triumph. And it is an honor to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Advancing Black Pathways, a reflection of our sincere and strong commitment to being part of the triumphs and advancement of Black people,” said Alicia Wilson, JPMorgan Chase regional philanthropy managing director for North America.
Consistent with JPMorgan Chase’s comprehensive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategic framework, ABP works to strengthen the economic foundations of Black communities across the country and around the world. Since February 2019, through funding, educational programs, training and more, the initiative has helped recruit and retain diverse talent, develop leaders, support Black-owned businesses and improve the financial health of black communities around the world.
“Throughout the firm, we live by the belief that the strength of our business is tied to the vitality of the communities we serve, and that’s why we show up,” explained Wilson, who said he has traveled to across the country to witness the success of JPMorgan’s Chase. philanthropic and community efforts. “We present ourselves as listeners and learners, eager to hear from local residents, community advocates and policymakers about how we can help solve local challenges. »
Advancing Black Pathways provides people with tools and opportunities to be: financially competent, healthy and wealthy; grow in business and entrepreneurship; support educational opportunities and provide career and skills development; and increase community relations through constructive partnerships with organizations that can lead DEI efforts worldwide.
“Through our various initiatives and commitments, we have created opportunities, fostered economic empowerment and removed barriers for Black individuals and businesses,” said Byna Elliott, Global Head of Advancing Black Pathways.
Over the past five years, ABP has been very busy.
According to an overview released by JPMorgan Chase, ABP has supported more than 16,000 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, providing boot camps and coaching, and creating more economic opportunities in African American communities.
Additionally, ABP is committed to advancing educational and career opportunities for Black students and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
In addition to the initiative’s $30 million commitment to HBCUs, JPMorgan Chase is the first financial institution to partner with the National Panhellenic Council and the nine Historically Black Greek-letter Organizations, also known as from “Divine Nine”.
“Sustainability is the key word for all of us. Endowments represent sustainability. So improving, increasing, enhancing our endowments, that’s what we focus a lot on,” explained Dr. Glenda Glover, President of Tennessee State University And Past International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “To ensure that students receive an adequate education requires funding. »
Glover was one of the participants on the “HBCU Sustainability” panel, alongside President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Dr. Michael Lomax, Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allenand moderated by JPMorgan Chase’s Kisha Porch, Managing Director and Head of Consumer Community Banking. Other panelists present throughout the event included Jamie Dimon, Thelma Ferguson, Mellody Hobson and Tanya Barnes.
In a video, Maryland Governor Wes Moore also delivered a celebratory speech honoring ABP and JPMorgan Chase’s continued commitment to empowering Black communities.
A celebration celebrating black excellence and looking to the future
JPMorgan Chase did not shy away from celebrating Black culture, history and excellence during the Advancing Black Pathways celebration.
The menu alone – featuring the most delicious and flavorful collard greens – served as an exhibit in the historic museum, located at 1400 Constitution Avenue NW. Food was provided by NMAAHC’s Sweet Home Cafe.
“We expose ourselves and we like to tell stories. We want to make sure everyone knows where the food comes from and the people who paved the way for us, and we want to pay homage to them, and then we also put a twist on it with today’s new chefs,” Denise Jones, general manager of Sweet Home Cafe, told The Informer.
The event kicked off with an uplifting performance by the Howard University Gospel Choir and the evening concluded with a dynamic performance by Doug E. Fresh, who showcased his incredible beat-boxing skills, dance moves filled with gifts and his classic rap lyrics.
“Black excellence scream, ‘ho’,” declared the rapper in his famous song “The Show” (1986), causing the crowd to go wild, already on their feet.
While the event celebrated ABP’s work and accomplishments over the past five years, JPMorgan Chase leadership emphasized that neither the initiative nor the financial institution is done working to uplift communities of color in their whole.
“As we celebrate five years of Advancing Black Pathways, I am filled with promise and excitement about our ongoing work to expand opportunities for all, including increasing access for Black communities,” said Wilson said.
Elliott explained JPMorgan Chase’s goal of a more equal, more diverse and more just society for all.
“As we look to the future, we are excited to see ABP’s continued success and growth as we work toward a more equitable and inclusive society for all,” Elliott said.
The article JPMorgan Chase Celebrates 5 Years of Black Lane Advancement appeared first on The Washington Informer.
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