A Trailblazer in Accounting
In the early 20th century, the field of accounting was dominated by white men. Opportunities for African Americans were virtually nonexistent. But John W. Cromwell Jr., born in 1884 in Washington, D.C., was determined to defy the odds and make history by becoming the first Male Black CPA.
Cromwell grew up in a family that valued education and resilience. His father, John Wesley Cromwell Sr., was a prominent educator, lawyer, and journalist. John Sr. instilled in his son a strong sense of purpose. His father taught John Jr. the importance of committing to excellence. Young John excelled academically, graduating from M Street High School (later known as Dunbar High School), one of the nation’s first high schools for African Americans.
Education
After high school, Cromwell attended Dartmouth College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1906. He then returned to Washington, D.C., and began working as a bookkeeper and clerk. But Cromwell had bigger dreams—he wanted to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a prestigious and highly regulated profession.
At the time, becoming a CPA was no small feat for anyone, let alone an African American. The CPA exam was notoriously difficult, and most states required candidates to work under a licensed CPA to gain experience—a nearly impossible requirement for Black Americans due to systemic racism and discriminatory hiring practices.
No Matter What
Undeterred, Cromwell set his sights on New Hampshire, one of the few states that did not require work experience under a licensed CPA to sit for the exam. In 1921, after months of rigorous study, Cromwell passed the CPA exam, becoming the first African American CPA in the United States.
Cromwell’s achievement was groundbreaking, but his journey didn’t end there. He returned to Washington, D.C., and opened his own accounting firm, Cromwell & Company. The first of just a few Black-owned accounting firms in the country. His firm provided essential services to Black businesses and individuals who were often ignored by white-owned firms.
Throughout his career, Cromwell was a mentor and advocate for other African Americans pursuing careers in accounting. He understood the importance of representation and worked tirelessly to open doors for future generations. His legacy as a trailblazer and mentor continues to inspire Black accountants today.
In Remembrance
John Cromwell Jr. passed away in 1971, but his impact on the accounting profession and the African American community remains profound. By becoming first Male Black CPA, he paved the way for countless Black CPAs and demonstrated that with determination and perseverance, even the highest barriers can be overcome.
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