Declining Black Homeownership Has Big Retirement Implications
Homeownership among African Americans has declined to levels not seen since before passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a major concern among economists and financial planners. Chief among the long-term concerns is the impact this black homeownership trend will have on the already grim outlook for African Americans and their preparation for retirement.

The author tells the history of the Freedman’s Savings Bank, how it grew much too quickly, why it failed and the impact on Black America. The Freedman’s Bank offered a safe depository for formerly enslaved people, expanded quickly and gained millions in deposits – mostly ranging from $5 to $50. But inexperience and corruption doomed it to failure, costing may of the small depositors their savings.


