LEARNING FROM
Black CPA career role models A century after John W. Cromwell Jr. became the nation’s first Black CPA, Black role models continue to open doors in the profession. Editor’s note: The following article originally appeared on July 26 on the Journal of Accountancy’s website. It is reprinted with permission.
BY A N ITA DENNIS A century has passed since John W. Cromwell Jr. became the nation’s first Black CPA. During that time, he and other trailblazers, such as Mary T. Washington Wylie and Elmer J. Whiting Jr., opened new doors for Black people in the profession. This article looks at a few of the Black CPAs who are continuing to break down barriers and offer advice to young professionals, as well as suggestions for strengthening the pipeline of Black CPAs. BECOMING A CPA Exposure to the profession and all it has to offer is a significant factor in whether a young person becomes a CPA. Here’s how it worked for one group of successful CPAs.
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