The Rise—and Ruin—of the Freedman's Savings Bank
In the aftermath of the Civil War, as millions of formerly enslaved Black Americans navigated the uncertain promise of freedom, one institution emerged as a symbol of hope and economic empowerment: the Freedman’s Savings Bank and Trust. Established by Congress in 1865, it offered Black veterans and newly emancipated people what many believed was a safe place to deposit their earnings and pensions.
Rodney Brooks
An award-winning journalist, writer and author and my specialty is retirement planning and other personal finance issues. I have written for many national publications, including USA TODAY, The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, AARP and National Geographic. I am available to speak on personal finance, financial literacy and the racial wealth gap.
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