Acknowledging our past: New York Life and slavery.
As a 177-year-old company, New York Life’s history is interwoven with that of our nation. This includes both its triumphs as well as its most disgraceful actions. In the earliest stage of our company’s history, we sold policies on the lives of enslaved persons between 1846-1848. We are deeply sorry for this inexcusable period of our history.
While we recognize that we cannot change the past, our understanding of those two years has shaped, and will continue to reinforce, our support for the Black community.
For decades, we have been open and transparent about this part of our history, as reflected in various news accounts, and in company history books dating back to 1895.
In these pages, we share more about our company’s connection to the slavery era and the many actions we have since taken to support the Black community.
As a 177-year-old company, New York Life’s history is interwoven with that of our nation. This includes both its triumphs as well as its most disgraceful actions. In the earliest stage of our company’s history, we sold policies on the lives of enslaved persons between 1846-1848. We are deeply sorry for this inexcusable period of our history.
While we recognize that we cannot change the past, our understanding of those two years has shaped, and will continue to reinforce, our support for the Black community.
For decades, we have been open and transparent about this part of our history, as reflected in various news accounts, and in company history books dating back to 1895.
In these pages, we share more about our company’s connection to the slavery era and the many actions we have since taken to support the Black community.