JANS – Percy Bland, an accomplished insurance agent, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and the first African American mayor of Meridian, MS, has joined Dream Exchange, the first minority-controlled stock exchange.
Bland, a native of Jackson, MS, is known for his dedication to community enhancement through education, business development, human capital development, the arts, and youth sports. Married to Deidre, with whom he has two children, Demia and Peryn, Bland holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. During his tenure as mayor, Bland spearheaded the transformation of Downtown Meridian, cementing his legacy as a community leader who fosters growth and opportunity.
“For me personally, the opportunity to invest in Dream Exchange is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Bland. “Their vision and mission to create fair and equal access to the market and help smaller companies grow fully align with my personal goals of helping underserved communities and companies reach their full potential. I am extremely excited to be a part of this historic movement in the financial space and leave a legacy for my family and children.”
Joe Cecala, Founder & CEO of Dream Exchange, welcomed Bland warmly, stating, “We are honored to have Mr. Bland join our team of investors. His commitment to community development and his visionary leadership resonates deeply with our mission to bring more accessibility and diversity into the public capital markets. Together, we aim to create a more dynamic financial ecosystem where everyone has a chance to thrive.”
Dwain Kyles, Managing Member of DX Capital LLC, also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Mr. Bland’s involvement underscores our commitment to legacy and represents a significant step toward the final frontier in Civil Rights – economic empowerment. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where underserved communities can flourish, and Mr. Bland’s support will be instrumental in achieving that vision.”
