http://www.blackenterprise.com/cms/e...n.aspx?id=2864



Blacks on Wall Street Get Documentary
Fundraiser held at NYSE to complete film




by Sabrina Ford
"When you think about Wall Street, you don't necessarily think about African Americans," said Duvivier. She hopes to change that with Wall Street In the Black, a documentary focusing on the contributions made by African Americans on Wall Street.






April 20, 2007---Drunia M. Duvivier found more than an exciting career when she began her first job on Wall Street. "I was inspired by the extraordinary African American men and women I encountered," said Duvivier, who began her career at Morgan Stanley, "I realized it was an important story to tell."
"I want young African Americans to see this film and see this whole other world of possibilities," said Duvivier. Promoting financial literacy in communities of color is a mission she shares with the non-profit organization Operation HOPE, Inc. John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, said that the work of his organization and Wall Street In the Black is about "giving people a hand up, and not just a hand out."






Duvivier decided to inspire young African Americans through a documentary because she feels young people take their cues from media images. She says that because young people are not exposed to a variety of images, African American youth often aspire to be one of two things-an athlete or an entertainer.

Robert A. Marchman, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Regulation Executive Vice President of Market Surveillance, agrees with Duvivier saying that when it comes to media images of African Americans, "There is not enough out there besides sports and the entertainment industry."




Marchman, who also heads the NYSE Diversity Council, said that after taking a meeting with Duvivier, he knew Wall Street In the Black was a project the NYSE should support and he calls Duvivier "a visionary who took the initiative to get the wheels turning on this important project."

On Wednesday April 25, Black Enterprise and NYSE Euronext will host a fundraiser to support the completion of Duvivier's documentary and the on-going efforts of Operation HOPE, Inc.

"We complain that there are not enough positive images out there so, when we are afforded an opportunity to help change that, we need to step up to the plate," said Marchman, who Duvivier said has been a "driving force" behind this event.

The event will honor African Americans who broke ground on Wall Street and the firms that have supported and encouraged diversity. Members of the 2006 Black Enterprise "75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall Street" will be introduced and firms who sign on to sponsor the event can select African American employees to honor.

Duvivier has been overwhelmed by the support from big name firms like Goldman Sachs, Wachovia Securities, Morgan Stanley, and Lehman Brothers. "The support from the financial services community has been significant. It shows that they are serious about diversity and inclusion by recognizing their African American executives."

Duvivier was even asked by the NYSE to ring the closing bell on April 16, an extraordinary experience that she said made her feel "blessed".

Duvivier hopes the April 25 event will raise enough money for her to complete Wall Street In the Black and secure distribution. The principal shooting is complete but funds are needed to continue the process. Duvivier would like to complete the documentary as soon as possible, as she is eager to share the documentary with young people.

Marchman adds that this film isn't just an important film for blacks, "Others also need to understand the contributions we have made and will continue to make if we are afforded the opportunity," he said.

Firms or individuals interested in attending or sending donations can get more information by calling 212.591.1638