While many of their peers were marching in the streets, these men were starting their march into the corporate boardroom. Fortune magazine has a diversity issue out this month that celebrates the achievements of some of the nation’s first black executives.
James Avery (sitting on the left) worked at Exxon from 1956 to 1986 and retired as senior vice president. He was hired by Exxon (then Esso) as a part of the company’s Negro Markets Department. He was on the road constantly but still unable to stay in many hotels.
Clifton Wharton (standing) retired as CEO of TIAA-CREF. His quote was probably the most poignant in the article: “It’s great to be [the first] one,” he says. “But I’d like to see more twos, threes, fours, and fives.” Wharton spoke these same words a few years ago to another reporter. Asked now why he’s repeating the comment, he says, “I’m still waiting.”
Lee Archer (right) worked at Kraft Foods and became CEO of three of the company’s investment arms. Archer was a Tuskegee Airman and the war’s only black flying ace. He helped create 74 companies including Essence Communications and Black Enterprise magazine.
Is The State of . . . African-Americans in the corporate arena faltering after these pioneers paved the way? (The magazine profiles 3 other pioneers also.) I speak to more and more African-Americans in the corporate world who say it “doesn’t suit them.” Many now want to be entrepreneurs or go into real estate. Some say corporations are doing a great job recruiting minorities but not so good a job at retaining them. Are we failing these brave men or is the corporate world failing us?
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