Black History Month

It is not enough to say we stand in solidarity. Actions speak louder.

At Voya, we believe that everyone should have access to economic equality and financial freedom. Black History Month is a time to honor those living with daily reminders that, although we have come a long way as a nation with respect to equality, there is more work to be done.

Wealth is power

We have a long way to go to close the wealth gap in this country. Like anything worthwhile, building relationships and building wealth take time. We will strive to empower you by showing how you can invest in your future in ways designed to give you the financial freedom to live for today while preparing financially for tomorrow. Saving a little or a lot at a time — over the long haul is the best way to accumulate wealth and learn to live life on your own terms. We think that’s powerful.

Our commitment to the Black community

Addressing systemic racism in America requires moral leadership and a seismic shift of sustained engagement and Voya is committed to both. We’re standing up for economic empowerment and lasting change.

We’re focused on education, social justice, diversity, equality and inclusion, and it all starts with us.

We are investing in our people, in our communities and in African American and Black causes nationwide. We champion everyone’s access to opportunity for financial freedom through authentic allyship based on trust, accountability and consistent action.

Throughout this month-long celebration, we’ll share with you Voya’s commitment to the Black community through our leadership and consistent advocacy.

Since 2013, we’ve recognized the need to expand opportunity and visibility for our employees, donate money and time to outside educational organizations, and support local charities and entrepreneurs through philanthropic grants, match donations, volunteerism and investments.

The journey: Our differences make us stronger

Our differences make us stronger, and our DEI journey has progressed significantly since our initial public offering in 2013.

From the gender parity of our board of directors, outpacing the industry in women leadership at 38%³ and fostering a workplace that celebrates our differences, inclusive of gender, race/ethnicity, disability/special needs, sexual orientation, religious differences and beyond, our employees feel increasingly comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.

A different kind of company

It’s our people and our unique culture that make the difference. We have strengthened our internal culture and our people because we recognize and celebrate the differences that make each of us and this company unique. We are purpose driven and together we fight to make sure all voices are heard, understood and respected and we fight for everyone’s opportunity for a better financial future. More than providing the ability to retire well — we are focused on whole financial health and wellness — helping people build a strong financial foundation that leads to a healthier and wealthier life — to live better and make better choices along the way.

Empowering our people 

The U.S. population is more diverse now than ever in its history. Within financial services, women are underrepresented at senior levels, and Blacks and Latinxs are underrepresented at all levels. We have made progress diversifying our workforce and are working to amplify our efforts, particularly increasing racial/ethnic representation.

Through the Voya Grant Program, we named five Black-owned technology businesses that will be awarded $10,000 grants to help them grow and further their businesses. Through this program, Voya is not only empowering and investing in Black and African American leaders but is also putting purpose in action to fight for everyone’s opportunity for a better financial future. This grant program was a direct outcome of Voya’s DEI Task Force during its first phase, which focused on addressing financial inequities and advancing the financial knowledge and capabilities of the Black and African American community.

2021 Voya Grant Program recipients

• Nailstry (beauty)
• Total Analysis (health care)
• Shared Knowledge (education technology)
• LiftEd (education technology)
• Imani Software (education technology)

Empowering our educators

Through Voya Teacher Voices, we are working to empower, train and support diverse teachers through partners such as Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Medgar Evers College and Georgia Tech and give a voice to those teachers who are working to increase representation and equity in the classroom.

This year Voya awarded four students from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, with $5,000 scholarships through Voya Teacher Voices. The recipients who are early childhood and special education majors, were carefully selected by a panel of 2021 National and State Teachers through a program managed by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), a nonprofit organization of public officials.

Read more to see the progress we’ve made. Read More

2021 Scholarship recipients — From left: Keely Bubb; Braeden Mayrisch, Voya Foundation; Ruth Fraser; Rene Vacianna (Tricia Maxwell not pictured).

Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month began in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American, promoted Negro History Week in February, and Kent State University first observed it in 1970.

In 1976, Black History Month (BHM) became a national month-long holiday celebration when President Gerald Ford recognized “the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” in a speech to mark the U.S. Bicentennial.

Black History Month also coincides with National Freedom Day (NFD), which is the day that President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery on Feb. 1, 1865. Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, believed that freedom for all Americans should have a designated day. NFD is intended to promote harmony and equal opportunity among all citizens and to remember that ours is a nation devoted to the ideal of freedom.

Here comes the best part … it’s time to make your move

Build your wealth resources to learn how to build a better life today, tomorrow and for future generations to come.