Robert F. Smith

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® (AKA) recently opened the For Members Only Federal Credit Union™ to help increase financial prosperity for its sorority members, their immediate family members and those who work for the organization.

AKA is a National Pan-Hellenic Council organization, which was founded at Howard University in 1908. The women-led, Black-owned and sorority-based #digital banking financial institution is the first of its kind and gives members access to loans, primary savings and more.

Financial institutions like this provide Black women, and other women of color, opportunities to establish businesses and create #generationalwealth for their families. In doing so, they help bridge gaps afflicting underserved communities, including the #racialwealthgap.

Read more about Alpha Kappa Alpha’s new For Members Only Federal Credit Union™ from Black Enterprise Magazine.
https://bit.ly/3qU6OG9

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T), a Historically Black College and University (#HBCU), has ascended to number 25 on the U.S. World and News Report’s list of the Top 25 Most Innovative Universities, making it the highest ranked HBCU on the list. They have also continued their upward momentum on many others—including the “Best Colleges 2024” list.

HBCUs offer valuable educational opportunities to students from underrepresented communities. As North Carolina A&T continues to rank higher on these lists, I hope it will encourage more students to attend and will bring in more funding to allow the school to meet the evolving needs of its students.

Read more.
https://bit.ly/40Zj6dX

I continue to believe that investing in the companies bringing enterprise software solutions to market remains the best use of capital across financial markets.

Software reaches into nearly every aspect of our economy as a force of positive transformation. ​During the pandemic, we witnessed how technology and enterprise software tackled some of our greatest challenges – from remote collaboration to online banking to distance learning – helping us navigate and settle into our new normal. ​Technology and enterprise software became the tools that made life and work possible.

Today, we are witnessing seismic shifts in our economy. Global events and geopolitical dynamics, including a persistent pandemic, the war in Ukraine, social unrest here in America and the accelerating impacts of climate change, are shaping our world, generating both challenges and opportunities.​ With the widespread economic impact of each of these events, we’re still living through disruptions in many areas of our personal lives and in business.

Yet, when we look at each of these issues, we are reminded that we have a powerful force at our disposal and a durable asset class to invest in – enterprise software.​ Decades ago, we built Vista Equity Partners around this conviction – predicting that more and more businesses and industries would run on software, which in turn would result in dramatic technological and economic shifts, ultimately creating a digital-first economy.​ Today, we see this vision realized with technology and software as key enablers of progress towards a healthier planet, a smarter economy, more diverse and inclusive communities, and a broader path to prosperity. ​I am invigorated by what we have been able to achieve by harnessing the power of enterprise software and remain encouraged by what the future holds as we look to what comes next. #TechnologySolutions #EnterpriseSoftware

Today marks the 56th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King's enduring legacy of #peace, #justice and #equality continues to inspire across generations, reminding us of the power of compassion and the importance of standing up for what is right.

As we honor Dr. King's memory, we remember his unwavering commitment to #civilrights and #socialjustice. His teachings continue to guide us in our ongoing fight for equality, serving as a beacon of hope.

When Dr. King and his allies organized the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, my mother recognized the significance of the moment and drove me and my brother to Washington, D.C., where Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream“ speech. Though I was only a baby, this experience fueled my passion for creating positive change in the world. Last year, I was honored and humbled to share my own words at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington on the need for economic equality.

While Dr. King was a strong advocate for civil rights, he was also a leading voice for #economicjustice. He believed that true equality could only be realized when all people, regardless of race or background, had access to fair wages, decent housing and economic opportunity. This aspect of his vision remains a crucial part of his legacy, urging us to address systemic inequalities in economic systems.

I have the privilege of working closely with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center) and consider Dr. King's daughter, Bernice A. King, a friend. Through our partnership, we have worked to advance Dr. King's vision of a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

As we reflect on Dr. King's life and legacy, let’s recommit ourselves to the values he espoused and continue to strive for a more just, equitable and peaceful world for all.

Read more. https://s.si.edu/4aHbAaS

#MLKDay #MartinLutherKingJr #RememberingMLK

Black women continue to make significant and groundbreaking advancements in the financial sector.

Women like Marsha Barnes, Tiffany James, Thasunda Brown Duckett and Sheena Allen are trailblazers in the financial industry and transforming how we approach finance education and financial literacy through podcasts, financial wellness coaching, panel discussions and streaming series.

Read more about these women who are taking steps to improve the finance space.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dean Kerwin K. Charles at the Yale School of Management. During our discussion, I spoke about the importance of fostering diversity in the workplace. Creating an inclusive work environment can help foster new thoughts and processes, which can ultimately lead to success. I also discussed the value of leaders giving back and equipping underserved communities with the expertise needed to flourish.

Hear more of our conversation.

Congratulations to LaTrelle's Management Corporation for signing a 10-restaurant, 10-year deal with Houston’s Hobby Airport. I’m thrilled to see a Black-owned company assisting national and local brands in taking residence in this public space.

The issue of business inequality is a crucial one, and it's important to support Black-owned businesses that contribute to the development and enrichment of the communities they serve. The Southern Communities Initiative’s lead community organization in Houston, the Greater Houston Partnership, is setting an example by fostering economic growth and development in twelve counties and attracting global companies to the region.

Explore further details about the Houston Hobby Airport deal.