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Throughout Black History Month, we have been reflecting on the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans — and recognizing how much work still needs to be done. In the spirit of Breaking Good, we’re also heartened to read stories of the investors and business leaders committed to achieving a more equal and inclusive society. Consider the following:
- The Wall Street Journal spotlights how Black chambers of commerce are boosting entrepreneurship to help close the wealth gap.
- A recent survey shows executives in the United States remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Socially conscious investors are still making the case for investing in racial equity.
- With an eye towards improving accountability, the African American Equity Impact Scorecard provides a way for financial institutions to assess the impact of investments in the Black community.
Below, we have the story of a brave Black woman who left a profound impact on history and continues to inspire today — along with more good news from across the world of impact investing and inclusive entrepreneurship.
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| Blazing Trails Since Age Six |
Ruby Bridges became a civil rights hero even before she understood what that meant. At age six, she was one of the first Black children to integrate into New Orleans’ all-white public school system. Flanked by federal marshals, she bravely walked past an angry mob to get to school — marking a turning point for school desegregation.
Since that fateful day, Bridges has used her voice to promote tolerance and advocate for change. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to provide leadership training programs that inspire youth and community leaders to embrace diversity.
Bridges is also the author of numerous children’s books, including her latest release, “Dear Ruby, Hear Our Hearts.” In a recent interview on the Today Show, Bridges said that she wants kids to remain hopeful and see that when you struggle, you will be better for it.
Over the years, she has inspired countless individuals with her words of wisdom. We admire her fearless spirit, which comes through in this quote:
“Don't follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you!” |
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| Rising Interest in Sustainable Investing |
| More than three-quarters of individual investors globally are interested in sustainable investing, and 54% plan to increase their investments in the asset class in the next year, according to a Morgan Stanley report. What’s behind the surging interest? In addition to today’s inflationary environment, the report credits new climate science and the financial performance of sustainable investments. |
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Investors Influence Impact
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| While consumers, employees, and governments increasingly want to see companies positively impact society and the environment, nothing heightens pressure quite like the investment community. New Aspire Impact research finds that investors and shareholders are the top driving force behind companies’ decisions to establish a chief impact officer role. |
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| INCLUSIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
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Spotlight on Black and Latino-Founded Unicorns
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| Since 2013, approximately 1,000 US companies have earned unicorn status — a valuation of at least $1 billion. Of that total, just 3.8% (38 companies) are Black or Latino-founded. A new report from Harlem Capital profiles these elusive “unicorns of unicorns” to provide actionable insights for other underrepresented founders on their path to scale. We hope to see this small universe continue to expand. |
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| Diverse Entrepreneurs Lifted Local Economies in 2023 |
| A new report finds that new business openings on Yelp surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time, and minority-owned enterprises saw the most significant growth. For example, LGBTQ-owned businesses surged 29%, and Latinx-owned and Black-owned businesses also outpaced the national average, growing by 28% and 24%, respectively. Women also opened more businesses than ever, especially in the hotels/travel and home services sectors. |
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Lessons in Fearlessness
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| One of our core beliefs at the Case Foundation is that achieving big things often involves taking big risks. We found inspiration in these stories of two tenacious women who prove that conquering your fears is the first step to success. |
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