Colin. Malcolm. Martin. Harriet. Nat. Nina. Thurgood.
Kamala. Huey. Angela. Richard. Red. Muhammad. C.
Barack. Benjamin. Assata. Duke. Michael. Hank.
Claudette. Maya. Ruby. Emmitt. Arthur. Medgar.
Langston. Venus. Serena. Shirley. W. E. B. Jimi. Toni.
Alvin. Mae. Phillis.
Their self-sacrifice was admirable, and their insatiable
determination, particularly in the face of great danger
against the most stubborn of odds, was legendary.
Where most saw opposition, they saw opportunity.
Their actions cemented their legacies and earned them
a place in history.
This Black History Month let it be highlighted that we
can celebrate Black History all year long. Our legacy,
accomplishments and sacrifices cannot be confined to
1 month, 28 days, 672 hours. Now, more than ever
realizing the celebration is for all races to recognize
and honor our achievements, ancestors, comedy
pioneering and creativity.
To my fellow Black allies, I ask you: How will you celebrate
Black History?
To my fellow Black people, I ask you: How
will you make YOUR Black History a part of OUR
Black History?
-Nedra Bell, Advisor Servicing Associate at Betterment and member of the Black at Betterment ERSG
Meet Black at Betterment
Black at Betterment is one of eight Betterment ERSGs, specifically working to “celebrate and elevate Black excellence within ourselves, Betterment, and our community at large by strengthening our relationships, amplifying our voices, and equipping ourselves with the tools necessary to succeed.”
Build financial health in the Black community.
There are unique and multi-faceted financial struggles faced by Black people in the U.S. Here are three articles written by Tania Brown, CFPⓇ and financial coach, that can help you get your financial house in order:
- 3 Strategies That Can Narrow The Racial Wealth Gap
- 3 Tips To Consider Before Paying Off Debt
- 5 Tips For Financially Supporting Others
Support organizations working to improve Black lives.
Centuries of racism, institutional discrimination and lack of wealth building opportunities still impact the Black American community today. Here are five organizations you can donate to today who are working to address these social and economic gaps:
- SisterSong Birth Justice Care Fund: Helping tackle the high Black maternal mortality rate.
- The Sentencing Project: Organizing for criminal justice reform, particularly mass incarceration.
- The Okra Project: Supporting Black trans people by providing holistic resources.
- Live Free USA: Aim to end gun violence and mass incarceration through government reform.
- TIME’S UP Foundation: Fighting to end sexual harassment and inequality.
Give to charities already on the Betterment platform.
Through our Charitable Giving feature, customers can donate shares held for longer than one year to any organization we partner with. Below are three charities working to improve Black lives:
- NAACP Empowerment Programs
- Brooklyn Community Bail Fund
- Against Malaria Foundation
Invest in your values this year with our Social Impact Portfolio.
If you’re passionate about issues like racial and gender equity and want to support companies who prioritize minority empowerment and diversity policies, you can invest your money in Betterment’s Social Impact Portfolio.
There are also two other socially responsible investing portfolios that may align with your values: the Broad Impact Portfolio and Climate Impact Portfolio
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.