Diversity and Inclusion Author Series: Tim Todd, A Great Moral and Social Force: A History of Black Banks

To do better in the present, we must learn from the past. 

Unfortunately, many Americans are unaware of the history and challenges Black banks in the South and Midwest faced during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Join the KC Chamber for the next event in our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion author series as we welcome author and executive writer Tim Todd of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. In his new book, A Great Moral and Social Force: America's First Black Banks, Todd focuses on the stories of Black banks in five cities: Richmond, Va.; Boley, Okla.; Chicago, Ill.; Memphis, Tenn.; and Detroit, Mich. These cities were shining examples of Black wealth and success, and the book explores factors that contributed to the demise of Black banks at the peak of their success. Todd also provides historical context and analysis about why the dismantling of Black banks has played a central role in the hurdles many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) still face today regarding financial security and amassing generational wealth. 

Meet Timothy Todd
Timothy Todd is a writer engaged in historical research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. He is the author of eight books on the history of banking and financial services, including most recently, “A Great Moral and Social Force: A History of Black Banks,” which focuses on communities that benefitted from having strong Black-owned banks at key points in the 19th and 20th century. Previously, he explored the history of America’s earliest Black banks in his book “Let Us Put Our Money Together.” Among his numerous presentations, he has been a featured speaker for the Smithsonian’s African American History and Culture Museum. His media appearances have included the Karen Hunter Show on SiriusXM’s Urban View; KBLA 1580 Talk Radio, Los Angeles with host Mischa Duffie; The Talk of Chicago with host Rufus Williams on WVON 1690, Chicago; and numerous others. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, he was a journalist for 10 years.