NYC Gazette

The City University of New York (CUNY) and JPMorganChase organized a financial health summit at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn. The event aimed to connect the themes of hip-hop and finance to help attendees manage their finances effectively. Participants attended panel discussions featuring Brooklyn-based business leaders and entrepreneurs who provided insights into financial health.

The summit offered free financial coaching and resources from community partners. Among the panelists was Gerard “HipHopGamer” Williams, a video game champion and radio personality, who educates NYC public school students on technology and financial literacy through gaming. JPMorganChase experts also joined Medgar Evers classes to educate students on budgeting, saving, and building credit.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez emphasized the university's commitment to equipping students with necessary financial skills: "As a public university that is unmatched in its ability to provide transformational economic outcomes for its graduates, it’s the responsible thing to do to make sure that our students have the preparation necessary to make the most of their finances." He expressed gratitude towards JPMorganChase for their partnership.

Medgar Evers College President Patricia Ramsey highlighted the college's social justice mission: “This JPMorganChase-sponsored Hip Hop and Finance summit was phenomenal. The CUNY Medgar Evers College partnership with JPMorganChase is rooted in our college’s social justice mission." She added that the collaboration helps advance students' prospects while positively impacting the local community.

Nichol King, executive director for community & business development at JPMorganChase, reiterated their dedication to community empowerment: “Financial health education is a key component to community empowerment — and we are proud to partner with Medgar Evers College and the City University of New York.”

The event represents an ongoing collaboration between Medgar Evers College and JPMorganChase aimed at improving students' money management skills. The initiative includes workshops focused on credit building and fraud prevention.

JPMorganChase Vice President Shakima Figuera-Collins also addressed attendees during the summit. The company maintains relationships with CUNY beyond this event; in 2020, Chairman Jamie Dimon helped launch the New York Jobs CEO Council in partnership with CUNY.

Medgar Evers College offers associate and baccalaureate degrees as part of CUNY's system, which comprises various colleges across New York City's boroughs. Established in 1970, it serves Central Brooklyn's educational needs by providing career-oriented degree programs within a liberal arts framework.

CUNY stands as one of America's largest urban public universities, playing a crucial role in social mobility within New York City since its founding in 1847 as a free public institution. It continues to support diverse communities by offering affordable education options across numerous campuses citywide.