As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to recognize the vital contributions and influence of Black professionals and culture within the accounting and finance industries. Core values rooted in Black culture, like integrity, transparency, accountability, and community, align closely with the guiding principles of these professions. The parallels are no coincidence.

Several pioneering Black leaders in business, such as Madame C.J. Walker and John Harold Johnson, utilized principles of economic empowerment, financial literacy, and ownership to uplift themselves and their communities. Madame C.J. Walker overcame obstacles as the first self-made female millionaire in America and built her haircare empire while advocating for political rights. John H. Johnson spotlighted Black achievement by founding EBONY and JET magazines when Black stories were underreported. This legacy continues through groups like the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), which partners with global firms to provide scholarships, career development, networking, and leadership opportunities to aspiring young professionals.

Programs like NABA’s Accounting Career Awareness Program expose Black students to accountancy professions starting in elementary school. By supporting education and community building, NABA uplifts the next generation. Partnerships with top firms provide critical networking and first-hand career experience to help students succeed. Access to these opportunities at a young age has repeatedly been shown to support career advancement and leadership. Ultimately, organizations like NABA are critical to moving toward a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive next generation in the accounting and finance world.

The pioneering spirit of leaders like Madame C.J. Walker and their commitment to the community, exemplified by organizations like NABA, continue to impact these industries positively. This legacy of economic empowerment lifts individuals and communities while helping address representation gaps in business leadership. As Black professionals progress into leadership roles armed with this supportive background, they impart their insights and diverse perspectives to enhance decision-making.

The impact resonates through the empathy, relatability, and insights Black finance and accounting professionals impart. It provides diverse perspectives on problems that yield more equitable and creative solutions. As business owners and investors, the integrity and transparency exemplified through this community allow you to build companies and allocate capital to enterprises that match your values.

This Black History Month, we celebrate these leaders and cultures that enriched accounting, finance, and business. More broadly, we honor the communities that supported their success, which remain essential stakeholders in private and public sector initiatives. The principles and values of accountability, transparency, and equality should always be remembered but continue to guide us to more ethical and representative decision-making.