Deafening bombs blasted and the Civil War soldiers' uniforms began to tear. It was impossible to tell who was Union and who was a Confederate! This was Ben’s moment to escape.
He waited until darkness kissed the ground to steal away. He was no longer Ben, and he was no longer enslaved! His name was William Washington Browne, and he’d take FULL advantage of freedom.
Browne became a businessman, got an education, and founded “the most remarkable Negro Organization in the country,” according to W.E.B DuBois: True Reformers, a Black self-help organization. But among these achievements, Browne did something even more remarkable.
He launched the first Black bank in America, The True Reformers Bank, which took in an impressive $1,269 in deposits on its first day. More than just being the first Black-owned bank, it greatly outshined the competition.
The Panic of 1893 erupted into an economic crisis. Businesses shut their doors and chaos consumed the streets. But Browne fought desperately to keep True Reformers open – it was too important to our people.
Eventually, he prevailed; it remained the only fully operational bank in Richmond, VA during that time.
Browne survived many hardships and ensured his business remained successful when others weren’t. If we want Black independence in our communities, we must display the same resilience and perseverance as he did!