As Black History Month comes to a close, we honor the first five Black CPAs in Maryland — trailblazers who defied systemic barriers to enter and shape the accounting profession. Their perseverance opened doors for future generations, set new standards of excellence in public and private accounting, and serves as evidence of how far our profession has come — and how far it still has to go.

These brief histories are abbreviated versions of those found in the MACPA's centennial history book Our Past, Our Future: 100 Years of CPAs in Maryland. Download a copy of the book here. The biographies listed here can be found in Chapter 14, beginning on page 145.

Benjamin L. King Sr.: Maryland’s first Black CPA (1957)

Benjamin L. King Sr. made history in 1957 as Maryland’s first Black CPA and the 45th in the nation. Despite excelling academically, racial discrimination denied King opportunities to gain the necessary work experience in Washington, D.C. To circumvent these barriers, he moved to Maryland, where he could qualify for the CPA exam without an experience requirement.

King launched his CPA firm in Baltimore, partnering with Arthur M. Reynolds to form King, Reynolds & Company. His firm grew quickly, securing major clients such as Morgan State University and several federal savings institutions. King later became the first Black member and chair of the Maryland State Board of Accountancy, ensuring representation for Black professionals in state licensing decisions.

A passionate mentor, King taught at Morgan State University and inspired a new generation of Black accountants. His influence extended through his family, with four of his five children becoming CPAs and continuing his legacy at King, King & Associates. He also founded the Baltimore chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), actively supporting Black CPAs for decades.

Arthur M. Reynolds Sr.: CPA and legal advocate (1958)

Arthur M. Reynolds Sr. became Maryland’s second Black CPA in 1958, earning an MBA from American University and a JD from Georgetown. He co-founded King, Reynolds & Company but soon transitioned into law, where he specialized in tax litigation.

Inspired by Mary T. Washington, the nation's first Black woman CPA, Reynolds was determined to create opportunities for Black accountants. When major firms refused to hire him and King — even when they offered to work for free — they decided to build their own practice and hire Black accountants themselves.

Admitted to the Maryland and D.C. bars, Reynolds was a respected legal advocate, teaching tax law at Howard University and practicing for nearly three decades. Though he ultimately pursued law over accounting, his contributions were instrumental in breaking racial barriers in both professions.

Dr. Broadus E. Sawyer: Educator and CPA (1960)

Dr. Broadus E. Sawyer, Maryland’s third Black CPA, was a dedicated educator. He earned an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from New York University before joining Morgan State University as a professor and later dean of the School of Business and Management.

While his primary career was in academia, Sawyer was a strong advocate for Black professionals in accounting. He actively participated in organizations like the NAACP and the Urban League, championing economic and educational opportunities for Black students.

Carroll D. Lee: CPA and government auditor (1961)

Carroll D. Lee became Maryland’s fourth Black CPA in 1961. Facing discrimination in private accounting, he worked for the federal government while building his own practice.

In 1964, he partnered with fellow CPA Jerome R. Broadus to form Lee-Broadus, CPAs, specializing in government-subsidized housing audits. Their expertise made them go-to professionals for Housing and Urban Development-related accounting, allowing their firm to grow significantly. Despite his success in private practice, Lee continued his government career until retiring from the Navy Department in 1986.

Jerome R. Broadus: CPA and federal inspector general (1963)

Jerome R. Broadus became Maryland’s fifth Black CPA in 1963, following a distinguished career in federal accounting. After earning an MBA from American University, he joined the IRS as an auditor before rising to chief auditor and later inspector general at the U.S. Information Agency (USIA).

In 1964, Broadus co-founded Lee-Broadus, CPAs, balancing private practice with high-level government roles. Even after retiring in 1991, he continued consulting for the USIA. His career demonstrated the vast opportunities available to Black CPAs in both public and private sectors.

A lasting legacy

These five pioneers shared a commitment to excellence, resilience in the face of discrimination, and a dedication to mentoring the next generation. Their legacy lives on through the Black CPAs they mentored, the firms they built, and the institutions they shaped. This Black History Month, we honor their impact and the doors they opened for future generations.