Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it's also known as African-American History Month, and is observed throughout the month of February.
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson initiated the first Black History Week on February 7 to celebrate and raise awareness of Black history. The week was picked to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two men who played a prominent role in eliminating slavery. In 1976, Texas A&M University Afro-American history professor Albert Broussard, turned this observance into a month-long celebration.
A Note from Vicki Fox, D&I Officer
“It is an honor and a privilege to lead our D&I efforts at Nation Choice Reserve . We have work to do, but the focus on D&I progress we’ve made is a reflection of a company that is serious about making a difference for minority employees and customers within diverse communities.”
How We're Supporting Our Neighbors in Black Communities
In 2021, we donated 15 corporate gifts to help support and empower local black organizations such as the YWCA, the Urban League, and African American Chambers of Commerce. We also proudly sponsored the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic in Canton, Ohio.
Throughout 2021, we originated 130 small business loans in black communities for a total of $20,744,000. An additional $11,506,000 in Community Development Loans were originated to black middle market businesses as well as $16,722,076 in mortgages and home equity solutions. Joe Tomaceski, Market Mortgage Loan Originator, was recognized for his works at the Black Excellence in Real Estate Gala.
We provide Financial Education within the communities we serve throughout our footprint. In 2021 we committed to reaching neighborhoods in our communities that are rich in diversity by partnering with diverse organizations to provide financial literacy courses. We were able to partner with organizations like Operation Better Block to provide these services.
We inspire our employees to become more involved within their communities through volunteerism. Throughout 2021, our employees have participated in organizations that have directly made an impact on local black communities. We had employees volunteer with their local NAACP chapters and also participate in a company sponsored Project Rebuild opportunity.
Review our full impact in our 2021 Community Development Story, our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion as a company, and enjoy watching the story of Operation Better Block, an organization making significant change in the Homewood area of Pittsburgh.
Join Us as We Celebrate Our Employees
Follow us on Facebook as we celebrate our employees and what Black History Month means to them.
We'd Love to Hear from You
Throughout Black History Month, we'll be hearing from our employees about what this month means to them, and we would love to hear from too. Email our team at inclusion@fcbanking.com.