In celebration of Black History Month, we sat down with Carletta Clark in Indianapolis at JPMorgan Chase to discuss what Black History Month means to them, how the firm is advancing racial equity and Clark’s goals for 2023.
- What does Black History Month mean to you and how are you celebrating?
Black history was about bringing awareness to the contributions African Americans have made in America. Now, I use it as a time to learn more about my ancestors, their legacy and my responsibility to those who come after me.
Black History Month is a time for both reflection and celebration across communities; a time where we honor the history, legacy and contributions of Black Americans to our society.
- How is JPMorgan Chase making an impact to advance racial equity?
Diversity, equality and inclusion have been an important part of the culture at JPMorgan Chase and we wanted to take a look at what else we can be doing. While our work to advance racial equity has been longstanding, in October 2020, we made a $30 billion commitment to advance racial equity that took a look at additional ways to address affordable housing, small business, financial health, among other critical financial needs within unbanked and underbanked communities.
We’ve opened 14 Community Center branches – locally-inspired and built with extra space to host free community events and financial health workshops – across the country and hired nearly 150 Community Managers who connect community members with the many resources we’ve created to support financial health education, first-time homebuyer education, and many other resources.
We’re invested in making an impact in Indianapolis and are committed to supporting underserved communities, helping them reach their financial goals.
- How should other companies and individuals be thinking about advancing racial equity?
We all can make an effort to help advance racial equity within our community – including by investing in or shopping with local diverse-owned businesses, supporting philanthropic efforts in our community and participating in community events.
Consider looking for diverse initiatives and business resource groups within your company that focus on supporting underserved or underrepresented communities, and asking if there are opportunities to support those initiatives or groups. For instance, JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative works to support the economic empowerment of the Black community globally. Through our Global Supplier Diversity program we’re using our purchasing power to build economic equity in diverse communities, foster the success of underrepresented business owners, and promote equity, inclusion and sustainability across the wider business community. We also have initiatives focused on other communities, and business resource groups that share our company commitment to equity and equality and create opportunities for employees to be engaged.
- Tell me about your connection to the Indianapolis community and opportunities for growth here?
I grew up in a small town in Indiana; therefore, I could not wait to graduate and move to the big city. I saw Indianapolis, as a place with opportunity to grow professionally and personally. I still see it the same way today. This city has a rich history of African American heroes and legends like Madam C.J. Walker and Dr. John Morton-Finney. It is amazing to have places like Indiana Avenue, Flanner House, and Crispus Attucks that remind us of our past while educating our future leaders.
- What are your goals for this year, and/or, what are you looking forward to in 2023?
I am looking forward to great collaborations with organizations that are helping our next generation of great leaders, welcoming our new neighbors, and celebrating those who came before us.
Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.
