When the Obamas first visited the island, Ted’s family put up a sign outside their home to welcome them
Juneteenth: A Bold Conversation About Family, History, and Hope
Ted Paris, TD Bank’s Head of Data & Analytics, shares a poignant reflection on his family’s legacy this Juneteenth. Ted’s family boasts both renowned and unsung heroes of the Civil Rights era, all united by their boldness to create better lives.
Ted honors this boldness as Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation’s reading in Texas on June 19, 1865, approaches. His cousin, Constance Baker Motley, known as Aunt Connie within the family, exemplifies this spirit. Constance was the first Black woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court and to serve as a federal judge.
Growing up, Ted’s parents made the courageous choice to be the first Black family in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood during the 1970s. This bold move, driven by hope for better opportunities, taught Ted resilience. “We can all come together,” he recalls, reflecting on the community’s mixed reception.
A Cherished Legacy in Stamps and History
Ted remembers visiting Judge Motley as a child, unaware of her monumental achievements. Her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund were pivotal. She co-authored the briefs for Brown v. Board of Education and led cases that desegregated major universities.
Earlier this year, Judge Motley was honored with a stamp by the U.S. Postal Service, joining other Civil Rights giants in the Black Heritage series. Ted treasures these stamps, symbolizing her lasting impact.
Inspired by Family: Bold Moves and Enduring Hope
Ted’s parents, Gaudiosa Erazo Paris and Calvin Paris, were his immediate sources of inspiration. His mother, a physician, and his father, a successful businessman, faced significant barriers due to their race. Calvin Paris’s experience in the business world, including owning franchises, often revealed society’s prejudices. “My father would sometimes have to mask the fact that he was the owner,” Ted recalls.
Ted’s upbringing emphasized pride in Black heritage, with visits to the Museum of African American History and events linked to his father’s alma mater, Howard University. His middle name, Thurgood, honors Thurgood Marshall, reinforcing his connection to history.
A Vision for the Future: Family and Community
Ted’s own family reflects a diverse heritage, embracing identities from Black, Puerto Rican, West Indian, Jewish, French, and Moroccan backgrounds. This multicultural identity shapes their outlook on life. “My parents certainly had a role in how my children perceive themselves,” Ted notes.
Martha’s Vineyard holds special memories for Ted, a place with deep connections to the Black community. His family home there symbolizes a space of acceptance and belonging. One cherished memory is welcoming the Obamas with a sign outside their home during their visit to the island.
Professionally, Ted’s journey through Georgetown University and the Harvard Kennedy School led him to a distinguished banking career. Joining TD Bank in 2016, he values the institution’s commitment to diversity. “It is an institution that embraces diversity…I wear the (TD) pin in public. TD is for me, a special place.”
As Juneteenth approaches, Ted Paris’s reflections on family, history, and hope remind us of the enduring power of boldness and resilience in shaping a better future.
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