ELC President and CEO Michael C. Hyter, Chair of the Board Gale V. King and other members of The ELC joined in ringing the opening bell at Nasdaq on June 22, 2024 with more than 50 in attendance. The ceremony honored Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating June 19th, the day in 1865 when the Black enslaved in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom—nearly three years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
The ringing of the bell celebrated freedom and serves as a testament to our ancestors’ resilience, courage, and enduring spirit. Black executives opening the stock market is laden with symbolism. Black executives whose ancestors were once traded as commodities, now stand at the helm of Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies.
“Our second year of ringing the opening bell is a sustained effort on our part to bring the attention of the world to the accomplishments Black Americans have made, and continue to make, to our nation’s and the global economy,” Hyter said.
The Nasdaq bell ringing underscored the profound journey from enslavement to leadership and empowerment. As we reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our nation, we renew our commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
The ceremony concluded with a reception and celebratory toast, marking a continued journey toward progress and unity. In case you missed it, you can watch the bell ringing ceremony and view photos please tag The Executive Leadership Council on LinkedIn, @NasdaqExchange on Twitter, @elcinfo and @Nasdaq across all other platforms in any post shared from your social channels!
