Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously stated that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” At VyStar Credit Union, we take this quote to heart.
That’s why in all that we do, we aim to live out our purpose to Do Good and our core value to Lead by Example. We do this by ensuring that our actions, our community partnerships and our workforce benefit the communities we serve. It’s why we focus special efforts on creating inclusive, equitable opportunities for all, and consider our diversity one of our greatest strengths. And it’s why we proudly recognize the enduring legacy of Dr. King and Black History Month by sponsoring events and initiatives that celebrate his life and pay tribute to the achievements and contributions of African Americans.
We’re proud to sponsor and support many initiatives that celebrate Black history and the Black community, and we look forward to marching in parades, recognizing Black-owned businesses and so much more as part of this celebration. We hope you’ll consider attending one of these events and taking time to reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy.
Here is a look at what VyStar will be involved in this January and February:
January
Jacksonville
Jan. 13 – The City of Jacksonville’s 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
Jan. 16 – The MLK Holiday Grand Parade 2023
Jan. 16 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 North Davis Street (following parade)
Jan. 21 - Business Workshop: Tax Education for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
Jan. 26 – Florida Black Expo Vendor Social
Jan. 29 – Best Boss Awards Gala – Celebrating the success of African American Entrepreneurs in Jacksonville
Orlando
Jan. 14 – The City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Jan. 16 – The City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Great Day of Service
February
Jacksonville
Feb. 10 – Florida Black Expo: The Taste
Feb. 10 – Melanin Market Heritage Awards
Feb. 11 – Curls and Conversations Luncheon
Feb. 11 – Florida Black Expo: Main Event
VyStar members receive 20% off all Florida Black Expo ticket purchases (including vendor booths) using code VYSTAR at FloridaBlackExpo.com
Feb. 25 – Martin Luther King Jr. “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” Concert
Because of our dedication to building an inclusive future, we’re always looking for ways to positively engage and improve the communities we call home. We are proud to support organizations that address challenges and uplift the black community. These include:
Unity of Eatonville Federal Credit Union, the first and only financial institution in America’s oldest Black-incorporated municipality of Eatonville, Florida
LIFT Jax, an organization dedicated to eradicating generational poverty in Jacksonville
Jacksonville Arts & Music School for arts and leadership development
In addition, VyStar frequently welcomes employees to participate in cultural events and conversations with 11 employee resource groups that provide opportunities for employees to find community, develop professionally and celebrate heritage.
Through these efforts, we hope to continue to be an organization that serves as an example of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in our communities.