THE BOWMAN BLOG

We’re happy to offer news, updates, and thought leadership to our clients, friends, and subscribers. Please feel free to look around and subscribe to whatever topics you’re interested in using the form to the right.

More Than an Accounting Trailblazer: Celebrating the Life of Wilbur Parker

by | Feb 1, 2025 | #LeadershipAndInclusion

Wilbur Parker, CPA

Wilbur Parker in 1962 – Credit: Newark Public Library

Social progress within a community, a state, or even an entire county is a result of continuous effort sustained over a long period of time. The achievements of trailblazers should inspire future generations to pursue further greatness, rather than signal the end of a people’s struggle. Today, marking the first day of Black History Month, Bowman would like to recognize the achievements of Wilbur Parker, a significant figure in the history of Accounting and our home state of New Jersey.

In our industry, the first African American to become a certified public accountant was John Wesley Cromwell, Jr. (previously recognized in the Bowman blog series). While the “first” person to do something may receive historical recognition, the accomplishments of those who follow should never be overlooked. While Cromwell’s story is an inspiring one, the decades that followed his certification in 1921 were notably challenging for African Americans seeking to follow in his footsteps. In fact, the 100th African American to become a certified public accountant (Audley E. Coulthurst, NY) did so in 1965; a 44-year-long process to arrive at this milestone. With this context for perspective, the achievements of African Americans in accounting – even those in much more recent memory – are truly a testament to the African American communities’ dedication and persistence to advancing both their legacy in the United States and the industry at large.

Cromwell was certified in New Hampshire; and with tremendous persistence, African Americans became certified in more and more states throughout the 20th century. By 1954, New Jersey had its first African American certified public accountant: Wilbur Parker. Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1926 (coincidently, the inaugural year of “Black History Week”, the precursor to the official US-recognized Black History Month), Parker lived an extraordinarily accomplished life. An Air Force veteran of World War II and a member of the legendary Tuskegee Air Men, Parker had business ambitions upon returning from the war. He graduated from Cornell University in 1950 with an M.B.A., the first African American to do so from the university. In just 12 years after graduating, he became the budget director for his hometown city of Newark, followed by a position as secretary of the Newark board of education three years later. In addition, he took part in Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s march on Washington, D.C. and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Wilbur Parker lived through the great depression, social and political discrimination, and the deadliest war in human history. Despite the circumstances, he lived a life more accomplished than most; a business professional, public servant, civil rights activist, veteran & congressional gold medal recipient, alumni award namesake, and father. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 88. Wilbur Parker was truly one of New Jersey’s – and accounting’s – finest heroes.

Sources

  • The National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants (NSBCPA): First 100 – Link
  • The SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University: Wilbur Parker Award – Link
  • The Star-Ledger: Wilbur Parker Obituary – Link

Subscribe to Email Updates

Posts by Topic

Skip to content