Black History Month

Celebrating the people in the communities that we serve, not just one month, but all year long.

What Does Black History Mean to You?

Listening to what our employee have to say is extremely important and huge part of our success. We sat down with employees and business owners to reflect on Black History Month

Rhonda Stanford 

Rhonda, a Compliance Consultant in Fiduciary Risk, is a leader at M&T and as the Chapter President of AARG, Delaware. 

What does Black History mean to you?

For me Black History Month is a time for personal reflection, to look back on what I’ve done over the past year to help support and uplift others, and find ways to do better.

What are your thoughts on uplifting other Black people in the workplace and mentorship?

I strongly believe we have a responsibility to uplift each other in the workplace. As I meet and speak with other black employees, I let them know they can reach out to me at any time, I’m always available to listen and provide guidance and support.  From firsthand experience I can say that having a mentor to provide guidance, motivation, and emotional support has been a positive experience for me. Whether your mentor works at the bank or in another profession it is definitely an option worth pursuing.

Hear More About Our Employees >

Joy Boudreau

Owner and Lead Planner of Joy of Events Group 

What does Black History Month mean to you?

There are so many beautiful and somber stories within Black History, and I believe it's important to share these stories with others and continually educate yourself. Celebrating the month is merely a springboard one can use to introduce forgotten or untold history to new audiences, which, in turn, would lead to more cross-cultural connections and collaboration. Personally, the month serves as a reminder to me about the progress made by those before me. It strengthens my resolve to push forward, with the possibility that others will view my past progress as their motivator in the future.

Supporting Black Owned Businesses

Our Spotlight Shop highlights businesses from the communities M&T serves, featuring everything from restaurants to retail. Check out which ones are featured near you!

FEATURED BLACK OWNED BUSINESS

Shea Radiance

Shea Radiance is an inclusive beauty brand based in Baltimore, MD that supports and promotes financial independence for woman globally. Every product – from hair conditioner to body wash – is made from simple, wholesome ingredients sourced from women-led supply chains in Benin, Ghana and Nigeria.

Learn More
Visit More Spotlight Shops >

Empowering Our Communities

Multicultural Small Business Innovation Labs

The M&T Bank Multicultural Small Business Lab is an intensive, weeks-long program designed to develop racially and ethnically diverse owners of businesses. The Lab promotes business and financial inclusion through empowerment, providing owners with much-needed access to information, tools, resources, and connections they need to grow and thrive. Participants are presented with tools and opportunities to increase their visibility, accelerate their business, and achieve success.

"Thanks to the M&T Bank Mulitcultural Small Business Innovation Lab, I can confidently pitch my businss and have made a great network connections" - Malcom Wilson

"You feel something in your gut, and even in your mind, if it rests there long enough, go after it. Do the research to find out what it is you need to do. I believe that faith without work is dead. So you can have an idea. And you can feel like it's a great idea for a business. But if you don't do what you need to do to make it happen and be successful, it won't be." - Porsha Ari Parson

"I now can successfully and confidently describe my business, understand my shortcomings, and what I need to learn to better position my company for success." - Brandon Ross

Learn More About the Innovation Labs >

Custom Debit And Credit Cards

Celebrate you Cultural Idenity

We are proud to release new card image options that enable you to celebrate your cultural identity. Show off what's important to you by choosing an image from our library or uploading one of your own. No matter which option you choose, you'll be getting a card that allows you to access your funds in person, online and over the phone to avoid paying with cash or checks.

Learn How to Customize a Card