Emma C. Chappell facts for kids

Emma C. Chappell (born Emma Carolyn Bayton) was a very important banker and community leader. She lived from February 18, 1941, to March 16, 2021. Emma Chappell started the United Bank of Philadelphia. She was the first African-American woman to create a commercial bank in the United States. She was also the first woman to become a vice president at a big bank in Pennsylvania.

Emma Chappell's Early Life

Emma Carolyn Bayton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This happened on February 18, 1941. When she was 14, her mother passed away. Her father, George Bayton, then raised her.

She went to West Philadelphia High School. Emma was also a member of Zion Baptist Church. Her pastor, Rev. Leon Sullivan, was a civil rights leader. He saw that Emma was very good at math. He helped her get a job at Continental Bank in 1959. She worked there as a clerk-photographer. She made copies of checks for the bank's records.

Emma Chappell's Banking Career

Starting Her Banking Journey

Continental Bank wanted Emma to get a college degree. So, she studied at Temple University at night. She did this for five years. In 1967, Emma joined a special training program. This allowed her to work in every part of the bank.

She finished the program and became an assistant treasurer in 1971. By 1977, she made history. She became Continental Bank's first African American vice president. She was also the first woman to be a vice president at a major bank in Pennsylvania.

Helping the Community with Loans

Emma Chappell led the Community Business Loan and Development Department. Her job was to give loans to businesses owned by minorities and women. She was proud to help develop Philadelphia's black community. She gave out over $30 million in loans to black-owned businesses.

She also started the Model Cities Business and Commercial Project. This project helped improve businesses in the inner city. It is now called the Philadelphia Commercial Development Project. In 1982, Emma went back to school. She earned her master's degree from Rutgers University.

Working in Politics

In 1984, Emma took a break from the bank. She worked as the national treasurer for Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign. This showed her dedication to public service.

Founding the United Bank of Philadelphia

In 1987, some important black leaders in Philadelphia asked Emma for help. They wanted to start a bank controlled by the black community. They thought Emma would be the best leader. They raised $600,000 to start. But a stock market crash in October 1987 caused a delay.

It took five years to raise enough money. Pennsylvania rules required $5 million to start a bank. In 1992, Emma Chappell founded the United Bank of Philadelphia. She raised $3 million from the black community. People bought shares for $500 each. She also raised another $3 million from large investors. This gave her $1 million more than needed.

Emma created the United Bank of Philadelphia to help the community. She wanted to offer good banking services to businesses and people in Philadelphia. In 1999, the bank received the Blue Chip Enterprises Award. This award recognized the bank's fast growth. Emma Chappell was the president, CEO, and chairman of the board. She left in 2000. However, the United Bank of Philadelphia continues to be important in the black community. The bank celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017.

Other Community Work

Emma also helped create the Delaware Valley Mortgage Plan. This plan helped families with lower incomes buy homes. She was also a founder and leader of Operation PUSH. This group works for financial fairness for minorities. She was also a founding vice president of the National Rainbow Coalition.

President Clinton appointed Emma to serve on two important boards. She was on the board of directors for the Southern African Enterprise Development Fund. She also served on the board of trustees for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Emma Chappell also started a program called "Passport 2000." This program taught 2000 students about saving money. It also taught them about managing their money. She believed this was key to being financially independent.

Emma Chappell's Legacy

Emma C. Chappell passed away on March 16, 2021. She was 80 years old. The Black Women's Leadership Council announced her death. They said Emma helped many women, minorities, and the community. She believed community banking could change lives for people of color. She helped them achieve their hopes and dreams.

Emma is remembered for her strong leadership and advocacy. She worked in business, civil rights, and politics. She also supported children, minorities, and women. She strongly believed in community banks. She felt they were vital for helping people achieve their goals. Her work as a banker and community leader earned her over 500 awards. She also received many national and international appointments. She was given five honorary doctoral degrees.

Despite all her success, Emma said in 1998: "I'm very proud of my accomplishments. It doesn't matter how many awards I've received, there's a saying: `A prophet is without honor.'"

Emma Chappell's Personal Life

Emma married Verdayne Chappell in the late 1960s. They later divorced. They had two children together: Tracey and Verdaynea. Emma was a Baptist. She was also an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.