The clear message that emerges from the history of black banks is that relying on these banks to do the work of achieving wealth equality without changing the economic environment in which they operate is unfair, cynical, and fruitless. Insofar as there is segregation and widespread poverty in the black community, banks that exclusively serve this community cannot be successful. The black community needs banks to grow and prosper, but the banks cannot achieve that growth and prosperity alone. Self-help microfinance cannot overcome macro inequality and systemic racism. Policymakers have been
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