In 1943, Mary T. Washington Wylie became the nation’s first Black woman to earn the CPA license. Her life illustrates the difference that one enterprising professional can make for many future generations.
With 2021 marking the 100th anniversary of the first Black licensed CPA in the United States, a yearlong campaign kicked off to recognize the nation’s Black CPAs and encourage greater progress in diversity, inclusion, and equity in the CPA profession. Resources and information related to the Black CPA Centennial commemoration, including ways for individuals and organizations to participate, are available at BlackCPACentennial.cpa. The celebration is a collaborative effort of the American Institute of CPAs, Diverse Organization of Firms, Illinois CPA Society, National Association of Black Accountants, and National Society of Black CPAs.
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Black CPA Centennial, 1921-2021
Black CPA Centennial celebrates first Black CPA
John W. Cromwell Jr., the son of a former slave, overcame many obstacles in his life to earn his place in history as the nation’s first Black CPA in 1921. His story is an inspiration and lesson in tenacity for future generations of Black accountants.
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
Promises of ‘fast and easy’ threaten SOC credibility
CPAs who provide Service and Organization Control (SOC) examinations warn that an ongoing push for high-volume SOC services may come at the cost of quality and objectivity.
From The Tax Adviser
February 18, 2026
Why LIFO, why now?
February 10, 2026
Navigating safe-harbor rules for solar and wind Sec. 48E facilities
January 31, 2026
Trust distributions in kind and the Sec. 643(e)(3) election
January 31, 2026
