Congressional Black Caucus 53rd Annual Legislative Conference

ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, in collaboration with JP Morgan Chase, proudly presents its seventh panel discussion at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2024 Annual Legislative Conference, “The Future of Black Business: Equity in Procurement and Philanthropy’s Role in Driving Access.” This conversation will delve into the significant disparities and inequities within the small business procurement process and explore the critical role of philanthropy-serving organizations and foundation leaders in creating opportunities for Black-led firms. The discussion aims to not only highlight the critical role of philanthropy and corporate investment in dismantling systemic barriers but aims to offer strategies that foster greater and more sustained investments to cultivate greater economic prosperity in Black communities. This impactful event will be moderated by Susan Taylor Batten, President and CEO of ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities. Speakers include:

• Edward Jones, VP of Programs and Philanthropic Advising, ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
• T.J. Breeden, Director of Programs, ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
• Nadine Duplessy Kearns, Vice President, Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JP Morgan Chase
• Ted Archer, Managing Director and Head of Global Business Partner Diversity, JP Morgan Chase
• Stephen Glaude, CEO, Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Development

• Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Chief Legal Officer, Shareholding Managing Director, Diversified Search Group (Trustee of the Greater Washington Community Foundation)

   This conversation will highlight key issues impacting Black-led firms as they navigate the procurement pipeline process, which serves as a pivotal tool for building business growth and wealth in Black communities. JP Morgan Chase, through its "Advancing Black Pathways" initiative and $30 billion racial equity commitment to addressing systemic economic challenges facing Black communities, has been at the forefront of efforts to close the racial wealth gap. With insights from its philanthropic arm; and its global business diversity division which leads work around procurement pathways and equity; the session aims to illuminate the necessity of corporate and philanthropic investment in fostering a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape.  

  ABFE, and its commitment to economic empowerment through its Responsible Philanthropy in Black Communities (RPBC) framework will lead the panel’s examination of ways we can more effectively activate philanthropy to support sustainable investment Black economic prosperity, entrepreneurship, and supplier equity. Moreover, via the lens of ABFE’s commitment to representation through its Racial Equity Advancement and Defense Initiative (READI) and its focus on advancing equity in ever-changing regulatory environments, ABFE will lead an examination of how Black foundation leadership, trustees, money managers, and fund leaders can serve as a powerful resource for advancing improved sustainability of Black businesses, through the constant examination of its internal systems and best practices.  

  Join us as we delve into strategic pathways for fostering meaningful, measurable change through collaborative efforts and intentional investments in Black businesses. This session is not only a call to action but a roadmap for creating equitable access to procurement and driving entrepreneurial success in Black communities.