In 1972, Vernon Jordan became the first Black person to sit on a corporate board in the United States. As a result of his presence, he opened the door for Johnson Products, the first Black-owned business, to be listed on the American stock exchange. From TV Networks, to CEOs, Black professionals continue to find new ways to shine, even though Corporate America still struggles to fully integrate.
In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. — with additional commentary from Vernon Jordan, Civil Rights Activist, Robert L. Johnson, an entrepreneur, and Michelle Alexander, a civil rights lawyer and author, we celebrate the journey of Black professionals to enter the stock exchange as they elevated Black access, brands, and opportunities.
Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is a 4x Webby Award winning series.
