The African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) is featured in The New York Times Black Wall Street virtual storefront, which started Tuesday. AACUC was nominated by Kevin Paasch, president of MemberWealth Management and general agent for MassMutual Life Insurance.

“The New York Times has such a rich history and is a premier source for the top news articles coming out of the financial services industry,” said AACUC President/CEO Renee Sattiewhite. “We are honored to be highlighted alongside thriving Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs that are proven valuable partners in a time when our world needs them the most. Thank you to our friends at MassMutual for considering us for this opportunity.”  

The New York Times vetted all nominations and selected a range of 20 Black-owned businesses that have national appeal and are appropriate for the virtual storefront.

This effort is part of the newspaper’s year-long event recognizing the 100^th anniversary of Black Wall Street – the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma that was once one of the most prosperous African-American communities in the United States. On May 31, 1921, racial violence led to the destruction of Black Wall Street, which was seen as a threat to white-dominated American capitalism.

“In a time when our industry and the nation is seemingly laser focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is critically important that we recognize the historical Tulsa Race Massacre. We ought to pause and consider how this has detrimentally impacted the African American community and, furthermore, do all that we can to ensure this never happens again by creating equitable opportunities for minorities to flourish and thrive,” Sattiewhite added.