OneUnited Bank joins France in honoring Josephine Baker

As the French were making global headlines for posthumously honoring Josephine Baker, OneUnited Bank– the largest black-owned bank in the U.S. – was likewise building its brand by celebrating the jazz singer, WWII resistance fighter and civil rights activist as part of Miami’s Art Basel.

The bank’s tribute to Baker reflects its commitment to social justice and the arts through its “unapologetically Black” stance. Given the French connection, the bank – represented by Miami-based PR firm Circle of One Marketing – is also using its brand to foster a broader, global dialogue about race and justice.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron inducted Baker into the Panthéon’s Tomb of Heroes – the first Black woman to be bestowed the honor. Two days later, the bank was sponsoring Le Art Noir, a glamourous soirée and exhibit at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center organized by former Miami Dolphins player Louis Oliver.