Apple’s inclusion of minority-owned banks in a recent debt offering has drawn praise from the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Two minority-owned financial services firms — Williams Capital and Ramirez and Co. — landed roles in Apple’s announced earlier this week. Jackson, who has led calls for greater diversity in tech, said in an interview with SiliconBeat earlier this week that the move marked a key step forward for minority-owned financial services firms that want to do more business in the valley.
“It’s a great breakthrough,” he said. “These companies are very effective, but they have not had access to the table to make their case.”
Apple saluted the banks in a statement.
“We’re proud to have a range of banks participate in our recent debt offering, including two well-respected minority-owned companies, Williams Capital and Ramirez & Co.,” Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet said in a statement to USA Today, which first reported on the banks’ inclusion.
that released reports on the diversity of their ranks last year, responding to calls for transparency from Jackson and other advocates. But in addition to hiring diverse talent, companies must also consider the diversity of their business partners, Jackson said, adding that it is an issue he has raised during meetings with Apple CEO Tim Cook.
“When you don’t look at the black and brown markets in America, you are missing markets and money and talent and creativity,” he said. “This is our plan to expand the economy.”
Above: The Rev. Jesse Jackson praised Apple for doing business with minority-owned banks (Getty Images).
