By Meet William Pettiford First African American To Establish A Bank In Alabama US
I’m sure you weren’t aware of the man who revolutionized Black banking in Alabama! Let me introduce William R. Pettiford! Born in 1847, Pettiford was a minister, educator, and forward-thinker.
By 1883, he was at the helm of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church, where he served for nearly a decade. But his most significant contribution? Establishing the Alabama Penny Savings Bank in 1890.
This wasn’t merely a bank—it was a lifeline. For 25 years, it propelled Black economic advancement in the South. Just think about it! A place where African Americans could save, borrow, and flourish.
He also emphasized the connection between financial success and spiritual growth.
Pettiford stood alongside Booker T. Washington, making ground breaking progress for Black people in Alabama, US.
A minister with a mission and a visionary banker. Pettiford didn’t just preach; he built. So, the next time you reflect on trailblazers, remember Pettiford—the man who transformed Black banking in Alabama.
#backhistorymonth
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