Celebrating Juneteenth: Honoring Financial Leaders and Promoting Equity

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves and provides an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing impact of slavery, particularly in the realm of financial equity. Despite the end of slavery over a century ago, its legacy continues to influence the financial landscape, contributing to the wealth gap that persists today. At O1ne Mortgage, we recognize the importance of financial equity and are committed to supporting underserved communities. Call us at 213-732-3074 for any mortgage service needs.

Bill Cheeks: A Pioneer in Financial Literacy

With over 40 years in the insurance and financial education sectors, Bill Cheeks is a trailblazer in the modern financial literacy movement. Cheeks has collaborated with numerous organizations, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the Urban League, and various churches, to advance financial literacy within the Black community. As a key member of the Experian Consumer Council, Cheeks advises on best practices for educating consumers on financial topics.

During his tenure at Equifax, Cheeks launched the company’s first financial education program in the 1990s, aiming to demystify credit reports and scores. From 1995 to 2001, he served as Equifax’s vice president of consumer education, leading outreach programs that taught essential financial skills like budgeting and credit-building.

Cheeks has also held leadership roles at organizations such as Experian, eCredable, Homefree-USA, and the Jump$tart Coalition for Financial Literacy. In 2022, he received the William E. Odom Visionary Leadership Award, a testament to his significant contributions to financial education.

Jacqueline “JaQ” Campbell: Championing Diversity in Wealth Management

Jacqueline “JaQ” Campbell has had an illustrious career in financial advising, from her early days working at a bank to managing a $1.8 billion investment team. Campbell’s journey into wealth management began with an internship that led to her becoming a licensed financial advisor.

As a Black woman in a predominantly white male industry, Campbell faced challenges but remained determined to open doors for others. At JPMorgan Chase & Co., she addressed the high attrition rates and low engagement among Black talent by creating a diversity, equity, and inclusion plan for the firm’s wealth management division.

In 2019, Campbell founded Alexander Legacy Private Wealth, a firm dedicated to working with philanthropists and visionaries. She emphasizes the importance of giving, both financially and through her time, and partners with organizations that promote financial independence and diversity.

John Hope Bryant: Empowering Through Economic Justice

John Hope Bryant is a renowned founder, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. In response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, Bryant founded Operation Hope to address social injustice through economic empowerment. Operation Hope focuses on financial literacy, financial equity, entrepreneurship, and homeownership, and has educated millions and supported thousands of new homeowners and business owners.

Operation Hope’s partnership with Shopify aims to start, grow, and scale 1 million Black businesses by 2030. The organization also launched the HOPE Community Credit Score Index with Experian to track financial health across America and help leaders target low-scoring areas for improvement.

Bryant is also the chairman and CEO of John Hope Bryant Holdings, Bryant Group Ventures, and The Promise Homes Company, which provides affordable rental homes and financial education services.

Nicole Elam: Advancing Minority Banks

Nicole A. Elam, Esq., is the president and CEO of the National Bankers Association (NBA), a trade association that supports minority banks. Elam oversees programs and policies that uplift minority banks, helping them modernize and scale through initiatives like MDI ConnectTech, which digitizes their operations.

Before joining the NBA, Elam served as vice president and government relations manager for JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she oversaw strategies for the company’s $30 billion commitment to advancing racial equity.

Kevin Matthews II: Inspiring Financial Literacy

Kevin Matthews is an award-winning financial educator and former financial advisor who founded BuildingBread in 2010 to inspire millennials to achieve their financial goals. Matthews has authored two books and uses social media to make financial news accessible and understandable.

Matthews’ work has earned him recognition, including being named one of the Top 100 Financial Advisors by Investopedia and winning multiple Plutus Awards for his contributions to financial education.

Rahkim Sabree: Bridging Wealth and Mental Health

Rahkim Sabree is a financial consultant, coach, columnist, and podcaster who explores the intersection of wealth, mental health, and race. Through his newsletter and podcast “Overcoming Financial Trauma,” Sabree normalizes conversations about money trauma and financial therapy.

Sabree’s approach to coaching involves aligning financial goals with personal values, helping clients create personalized financial plans that honor what’s important to them.

Sandy Smith: Pioneering Financial Education

Sandy Smith is a trailblazing financial educator who started her blog, Yes, I Am Cheap, in 2009 to share her financial journey. Smith’s transparency about her income and expenses provided her audience with a relatable financial picture.

Smith also founded the Elevate Community, a group for financial influencers of color, and has hosted several Elevate Influencer conferences. She sits on the board of the Plutus Foundation and has won numerous awards for her impact on financial education.

Reason to Celebrate

Join us in honoring these visionary leaders and others across the nation who promote financial literacy, equality, and inclusion. Be sure to check out Experian’s “Protect the Bag!” series, where Grammy-winning artist Lecrae covers financial topics in a unique and engaging way.

At O1ne Mortgage, we are dedicated to supporting financial equity and helping you achieve your homeownership dreams. Call us at 213-732-3074 for any mortgage service needs. Let’s work together to build a more equitable financial future.