The History of CEG
The Collective Empowerment Group, Inc. (CEG), formerly the Collective Banking Group, Inc. (CBG), was formed in 1993 as a result of concerns raised by pastors and church members in Prince Georges County and the Metropolitan D.C. area regarding inequitable access to services provided by local banks and businesses.
Churches were faced with severe challenges due to redlining and other questionable practices.
A group of pastors met to discuss means to gain economic empowerment and financial justice in their business dealings. After several meetings, the group decided to join its efforts under the name The Collective Banking Group of Prince George’s County, (MD) and Vicinity.
Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver, pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church, was elected president and served in that capacity for more than twelve years. In January 2008, Reverend Weaver was elected to preside over the National CBG. Reverend Dr. Kerry A. Hill, pastor of New Chapel Baptist Church, succeeded Reverend Weaver and served as president through 2011. In January 2012, Reverend Anthony G. Maclin, pastor of The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square, was elected president. In 2016, Reverend Marcellous Buckner, pastor of Marlboro Meadows Baptist Church was elected president.
In 1992, the CBG began interviewing 16 banks seeking the establishment of covenant relationship, whereby churches and congregation members would receive equitable banking services.
In 1995, the CBG signed its first covenant with four (4) banks: Riggs Bank, Industrial Bank, Enterprise Federal Savings Bank, and the Harbor Bank of Maryland. Today, banking partners include Industrial Bank and Eagle Bank. In addition, The Collective Banking Group partners with more than two dozen organizations and businesses that offer a broad range of products and services to CBG members.
In 2010, the Board and member pastors reflected on the evolution of the CBG. Over the years the organization had become a national faith-based community economic empowerment group, still advocating just treatment from banks… and much more.
By unanimous decision of the Board, the Collective Banking Group became the Collective Empowerment Group, with increased focus on financial literacy, education, healthcare, homeownership preservation, public safety and public policy. The new name demonstrates the CEG’s expanded role in “building a healthy and empowered church, people and community.”
