Freedman’s Bank Forum focuses on Raleigh business owners, addressing racial economic disparities [Video]

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The annual Freedman’s Bank Forum took place in downtown Raleigh on Friday spotlighting city business owners and strategies to address racial economic disparities.

The forum started under the Obama Administration nearly a decade ago in 2015.

It’s named after the Freedman’s Saving and Trust Company, which was established by Congress in 1865 to provide newly emancipated Black Americans after the Civil War with safe bank deposits to help build financial security and generate family wealth.

Frederick Douglas led the bank before it ultimately failed nine years after opening. 60,000 depositors, mostly Black, lost millions of dollars.

Business owner Kathy Gaines said after a long career she was ready to take her own talents to new heights.

“And then at one point I said okay. I’m gonna stop letting other people hire me to make their business successful or to achieve their dream and I’m going to work to achieve my …