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JPMorgan Chase Celebrates 5 Years of Advancing Black Pathways

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER — Advancing Black Pathways bolsters people with tools and opportunities to be: financially literate, healthy and wealthy; to grow in business and entrepreneurship; support education opportunities and offer career and skills development; and increase community relationships through constructive partnerships with organizations that can drive DEI efforts worldwide.
The post JPMorgan Chase Celebrates 5 Years of Advancing Black Pathways first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

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By Micha Green | The Washington Informer

In a celebration that included a pre-reception, delectable three-course dinner and powerful panels, JPMorgan Chase commemorated five years of its Advancing Black Pathways (ABP) initiative on Feb. 22. Hosted at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the event highlighted ABP’s many efforts toward empowering Black communities, and offered an opportunity to celebrate Black brilliance, resilience and excellence.

“I count it a privilege to stand before you during Black History Month in this beautiful, Black museum, dedicated to uplifting the rich history of Black people marked by struggle, resilience and triumph. And it is an honor to celebrate Advancing Black Pathways’ fifth anniversary, reflective of our sincere and firm commitment to be a part of the triumphs and advancement of Black people,” said Alicia Wilson, managing director of JPMorgan Chase’s Regional Philanthropy for North America.

In alignment with JPMorgan Chase’s overall diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategic framework, ABP works to strengthen the economic foundation of Black communities throughout the nation and world. Since February 2019, through funding, educational programming, training and more, the initiative has worked to recruit and retain diverse talent, develop leaders, support Black-owned businesses and improve the financial health of Black communities globally.

“Across the firm, we live by the belief that the strength of our business is linked to the vitality of the communities we serve, and so we show up,” explained Wilson, who said she’s traveled across the nation bearing witness to the JPMorgan’s Chase’s philanthropic and community efforts. “We show up 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 bolsters people with tools and opportunities to be: financially literate, healthy and wealthy; to grow in business and entrepreneurship; support education opportunities and offer career and skills development; and increase community relationships through constructive partnerships with organizations that can drive DEI efforts worldwide.

“Through our various initiatives and commitments, we have created opportunities, promoted economic empowerment, and broken down barriers for Black individuals and businesses,” said Byna Elliott, global head of Advancing Black Pathways.

Over the past five years, ABP has been quite busy.

According to an overview released by JPMorgan Chase, ABP has supported over 16,000 Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, offering boot camps and coaching, and creating more economic opportunities in African American communities.

Further, ABP has been 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 Pan-Hellenic Council and all nine historically Black Greek letter organizations, also known as the “Divine Nine.”

“Sustainability is the key word for all of us. Endowments represent sustainability. So improving, increasing, enhancing our endowments, that’s what we’re focused on a lot,” explained Dr. Glenda Glover, president of Tennessee State University and former international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. “Making sure students are properly educated, it takes funding to do that.”

Glover was one of the participants in the “HBCU Sustainability,” panel along with United Negro College Fund (UNCF) President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax, Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen, and moderated by JPMorgan Chase’s Kisha Porch, managing director and division director of Consumer Community Banking. Other featured panelists throughout the event included Jamie Dimon, Thelma Ferguson, Mellody Hobson and Tanya Barnes.

In a video, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore also offered celebratory remarks in honor of ABP and JPMorgan Chase’s continued commitment to empowering Black communities.

A portion of the exhibit celebrating the fifth anniversary of JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways initiative, held at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, is shown here. (Micha Green/The Washington Informer)

A Party Celebrating Black Excellence, Looking to the Future

JPMorgan Chase did not hold back from its celebration of Black culture, history and excellence during the Advancing Black Pathways celebration.

The menu alone – featuring the most delicious, savory, collard greens — served as an exhibit in the historic museum, located at 1400 Constitution Avenue NW. The food was provided by NMAAHC’s Sweet Home Cafe.

“We’re exhibiting ourselves, and we like to tell the story. We want to make sure that everyone knows where the food comes from, and the people that paved the way for us, and we want to give homage to them, and then we also put a spin on it with the new chefs of today,” Denise Jones, general manager of Sweet Home Cafe, told The Informer.

The event kicked off with an uplifting performance by Howard University’s Gospel Choir and the night concluded with a dynamic performance by Doug E. Fresh, who showcased his incredible beat-boxing skills, swag-filled dance moves and classic rap lyrics.

“Black excellence scream, ‘ho,’” the rapper said in his celebrated song “The Show” (1986), causing the jamming crowd, already on their feet, to go wild.

While the event celebrated ABP’s work and achievement over the past five years, JPMorgan Chase leadership emphasized that the initiative nor the financial institution is finished working to uplift communities of color overall.

“As we celebrate five years of Advancing Black Pathways, I’m filled with promise and excitement about our work underway to expand opportunities for all, including increasing access for Black communities,” Wilson said.

Elliott explained JPMorgan Chase’s goal for a more equal, diverse and just society for all.

“As we look towards the future, we are excited to see the continued success and growth of ABP as we work towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all,” Elliott declared.

The post JPMorgan Chase Celebrates 5 Years of Advancing Black Pathways appeared first on The Washington Informer.

The post JPMorgan Chase Celebrates 5 Years of Advancing Black Pathways first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

4 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,