All banks are listed by state. In order to be listed in our directory the bank must have at least 51 percent African American ownership. You can click on the bank name to go directly to their website.
KEY FINDINGS:
14 of the 18 African American Owned Banks saw increases in assets from 2023.
African American Owned Banks (AAOBs) are in 16 states and territories. Key states absent are Maryland, Missouri, New York, and Virginia.
Adelphi Bank (OH) is the most recent African American Owned Bank started in 2023. Prior to that no African American owned bank had been started in 23 years.
Alabama and Georgia each have two AAOBs.
African American Owned Banks have approximately $6.4 billion of America’s $23.6 trillion bank assets (see below) or 0.027 percent. The apex of African American owned bank assets was in 1926 when AAOBs held 0.2 percent of America’s bank assets or 10 times the percentage they hold today.
African American Owned Banks comprise 12 percent of Minority-Owned Banks (151), but only control 1.75 percent of FDIC designated Minority-Owned Bank Assets.
2024 Median AAOBs Assets: $191,590,000 ($168,701,000)
2024 Average AAOBs Assets: $355,448,000 ($326,097,000)
TOTAL AFRICAN AMERICAN OWNED BANK ASSETS 2024: $6,398,070,000 ($5,867,738,000)
“Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew.” — Cicely Tyson
When you encounter most HBCU alumni regarding their athletic programs they all desire to be a football powerhouse. They believe that this will lead to a land of riches and honey. At the core of this delusion though is that the wealth gap between P5 athletics boosters and HBCU boosters larger than the wealth gap between is greater than the southern most tip of Florida to upstate New York. Phil Knight, University of Oregon booster and Nike owner, has a net worth of $35 billion. Oprah Winfrey is the wealthiest African American HBCU alumni with a net worth of $3 billion and the last we checked does not act as a booster to her alma mater. Meanwhile, Phil Knight in 2012 alone built the University of Oregon football team a facility to the tune of almost $70 million – and got the state legislature to amend a law to make the building legal since it ran afoul of code. But many HBCU alumni believe that if we get the “talent” to come “home” it will level the playing field. It will not. It is exhausting even explaining that the wealthy of many major athletic programs has more to do with the PWI developing and graduating entrepreneurs like Phil Knight who go on to create multibillion firms and therefore have millions to give back than whatever latest 18 year old recruit they have snagged. For greater context, Phil Knight’s building donation is almost 4X Prairie View A&M University’s athletic budget, the highest among all HBCUs.
In our last SWAC/MEAC Financial Review, the two conferences combined for a loss of over $160 million in 2019-2020 if you took away their subsidies (and even with subsidies the two conferences were in the red). These $150 million in subsidies largely coming in the form of student loan fees which for most HBCUs means students packing on student loans for the sake of athletics. Something infuriating when you consider over 90 percent of HBCU students finish with student loan debt versus less than half that amount at Top 50 endowed schools, many who play DIII football or have no football program at all. That is $150 million in subsidies that could be going to scholarships, research, investments, and so many more things that produce an actual return on investment is an understatement. The idea though that HBCUs could try an athletic model that does not aspire to be P5 (no major television contracts are coming either) seems to be lost on all HBCU athletic leadership and alumni. But what if instead of focusing on the P5 schools, we instead focused on the Ivy League’s athletic model.
The Ivy League athletic model is characterized by its emphasis on academic excellence, limited athletic scholarships, and a focus on holistic student development. As historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) contemplate their athletic strategies, the potential adaptation of the Ivy League model raises important questions, especially concerning financial resources, alumni support, and institutional missions. Here’s a closer look at several key factors:
Financial Context: Endowments and Alumni Giving
HBCU Endowments: HBCUs generally have lower endowments compared to their Ivy League counterparts. For example, the average endowment for an HBCU is around $100 million, while top Ivy League schools like Harvard have endowments exceeding $50 billion. This significant disparity in financial resources impacts the ability of HBCUs to fund athletic programs and support student-athlete scholarships.
Ivy League Endowments: The Ivy League’s strong financial standing allows for extensive investments in athletics, facilities, and academic resources. Schools like Yale and Princeton have endowments of over $25 billion, which provide them with a substantial financial cushion to support a holistic student-athlete experience.
Alumni Giving Rates: HBCUs face challenges with alumni giving. For instance, HBCUs have an average alumni giving rate of about 15-20%, whereas Ivy League schools boast rates often exceeding 50%. This higher giving rate in the Ivy League reflects a stronger tradition of alumni engagement and philanthropic support, which is critical for sustaining athletic and academic programs.
Research Budgets and Institutional Support
HBCU Research Budgets: Research funding at HBCUs is generally lower than that of Ivy League institutions. While some HBCUs, like Howard University, receive substantial federal research grants, many others struggle to secure consistent funding. For instance, HBCUs collectively received approximately $1.5 billion in research funding in 2019, a fraction of what Ivy League schools secure annually.
Ivy League Research Funding: In contrast, Ivy League institutions benefit from robust research budgets, with individual schools like Johns Hopkins receiving over $2 billion in annual research funding. This financial backing enhances their ability to integrate athletics with academic resources, providing student-athletes with more comprehensive support.
Holistic Development and Community Engagement
The Ivy League model emphasizes the development of well-rounded individuals. HBCUs share a similar mission of producing leaders who are socially conscious and community-oriented. Adopting the Ivy model’s focus on holistic development could resonate well with HBCUs’ core values. This approach can enhance student engagement and create a strong support system for athletes.
Influence of Ivy League Billionaires
The presence of wealthy alumni, often referred to as “Ivy League billionaires,” contributes significantly to the financial health of Ivy institutions. Notable alumni from Ivy League schools frequently engage in philanthropy, enhancing the schools’ resources for academics and athletics. HBCUs lack a comparable number of affluent alumni, which affects their fundraising potential and overall financial sustainability.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
Implementing the Ivy League model in HBCUs presents both opportunities and challenges:
Funding Limitations: The financial constraints of HBCUs compared to Ivy League schools necessitate a tailored approach. Without significant endowment and alumni support, fully adopting a no-athletic-scholarship model could limit HBCUs’ competitiveness in attracting top athletic talent.
Cultural Fit: The cultural and historical contexts of HBCUs differ significantly from those of Ivy League schools. Any model adopted must align with the unique missions and student populations of HBCUs.
While the Ivy League athletic model offers valuable insights into promoting academic achievement and holistic development, its application in HBCUs would require careful adaptation. Financial disparities in endowments, alumni giving, and research funding pose significant challenges. However, by focusing on the integration of academic and athletic excellence while fostering community engagement and support, HBCUs can create a unique model that reflects their values and enhances student success both on and off the field.
In the end, HBCUs have to accept the realities on the ground. We have tried chasing the golden ticket of athletics only to find out time and time again it is fool’s gold. It is not the thing that will alter the financial realities of our institutions. If anything it may be the thing that causes their failure as a looming admissions’ crisis is looming across all of American higher education and without a lot of dry powder on hand many institutions will easily go the way of the Dodo bird. It is time to think differently, think acutely, and chart a path that maybe uncomfortable or not what we originally imagined but will ensure the existence, sustainability, and success for future HBCU generations.
Disclosure: This was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.
HBCU Money has partnered with Proud Product to sell its HBCU Money Logo Tee through the HBCU Grad online store, creating a powerful collaboration that promotes both HBCU pride and financial empowerment. This partnership is a strategic move that brings together two brands dedicated to uplifting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and fostering economic growth within the Black community.
HBCU Money is known for its commitment to financial literacy, economic development, and wealth-building strategies specifically tailored for HBCU students, graduates, and supporters. By teaming up with Proud Product, a brand that celebrates HBCU culture and academic excellence through apparel, this collaboration expands the reach of HBCU Money’s mission.
HBCU Grad’s Shopify-based platform provides an accessible and well-established marketplace for HBCU-themed merchandise, making it easier for supporters to purchase the HBCU Money Logo Tee. This partnership allows HBCU Money to leverage HBCU Grad’s e-commerce expertise and existing customer base while reinforcing a shared vision of empowering HBCU communities.
The HBCU Money Logo Tee, available in heather gray, is more than just a t-shirt—it represents a movement focused on financial awareness and economic independence. By purchasing this shirt through Proud Product, buyers are not only expressing their school spirit but also supporting two HBCU-owned brands that prioritize education, financial stability, and generational wealth.
This collaboration is an example of how HBCU-focused businesses can work together to amplify their impact. By joining forces, HBCU Money and Proud Product are strengthening the culture, supporting Black entrepreneurship, and promoting a message of financial empowerment—one t-shirt at a time.
“Paradise is one’s own place, One’s own people, One’s own world, Knowing and known. Perhaps even Loving and loved.” – Octavia Butler
The declining marriage rates among African Americans are increasingly recognized as a significant factor holding back wealth accumulation within the community. This trend has profound implications for economic stability and intergenerational wealth transfer. Understanding the connection between marriage and wealth, along with relevant statistics, sheds light on this critical issue.
Married couples generally experience greater financial stability than single individuals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, married couples tend to have higher median household incomes. In 2021, the median household income for married couples was approximately $100,000, compared to about $60,000 for single-parent households, which disproportionately include African American families.
Research has shown that marriage contributes significantly to wealth accumulation. A study by the Institute for Family Studies found that households headed by married couples have about three to four times the wealth of those headed by single individuals. Specifically, Black married couples had a median net worth of $131,000 in 2019, compared to only $29,000 for Black single individuals. This disparity highlights the financial advantages of marriage in building wealth.
From an economic development perspective, marriage plays a crucial role in the transfer of wealth between generations. Households with married parents are better positioned to pass down assets. A report from the Federal Reserve in 2019 indicated that only 45% of Black households had any wealth to pass on, compared to 70% of white households. The lack of marriage in the African American community limits opportunities for families to create and sustain intergenerational wealth.
It also has acute impact on social development within the African American community. Marriage can provide emotional and social stability, which is vital for sound financial decision-making. Couples often collaborate on budgeting, saving, and investing, leading to better financial outcomes. According to a Pew Research Center study, married couples are more likely to engage in long-term financial planning, further enhancing their wealth-building capacity.
The decline in marriage rates among African Americans is linked to systemic issues, including economic inequality, high incarceration rates, and historical trauma. The National Center for Family & Marriage Research reports that the marriage rate for African Americans has dropped significantly over the past few decades, from 60% in the 1960s to just 29% in 2021. Addressing these systemic barriers is essential for promoting stable relationships and supporting marriage as a pathway to wealth.
Cultural perceptions around marriage also play a role. While many African Americans value family and community, there may be less emphasis on traditional marriage structures. However, promoting awareness of the economic benefits of marriage within the community could encourage individuals to consider its advantages for wealth accumulation and stability.
Ways HBCUs Can Help Promote Black Marriage
HBCUs can play a pivotal role in promoting marriage within the African American community by implementing several strategies:
Educational Programs: HBCUs can offer workshops and seminars focused on relationship skills, financial literacy, and the benefits of marriage. By educating students on effective communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning, these programs can foster healthier relationships.
Mentorship and Counseling: Establishing mentorship programs that connect students with African American married couples can provide positive role models. Counseling services that focus on relationship dynamics and conflict resolution can also support students in building strong partnerships.
Community Engagement: HBCUs can organize community events that celebrate marriage and family life, encouraging students to engage with positive narratives around marriage. These events can include discussions, panels, and social activities that promote the value of committed relationships.
Collaborative Research: HBCUs can engage in research initiatives that explore the factors influencing marriage rates in the African American community. Understanding these dynamics can inform policies and programs aimed at supporting healthy relationships.
Scholarships and Incentives: Creating scholarship programs for students who participate in marriage enrichment programs can incentivize students to invest in their relationships while also promoting the value of African American marriage within the community.
Marriage Endowments: HBCU alumni can partner with the UNCF and Thurgood Marshall Fund to create an endowment that provides head start capital for African American marriages among their alumni. This head start capital can be disbursed at once or over a set number of years ensuring that couples get off to a financially stable start.
The decline in marriage rates among African Americans poses significant challenges to wealth accumulation and economic stability. By addressing the underlying issues and promoting the benefits of marriage, HBCUs can play a crucial role in fostering healthy relationships within the community. Implementing educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement initiatives can help strengthen marriage as a pathway to wealth and empower future generations to build a more financially secure future.
There is no African American community without the African American family and there is no African American family without African American marriage. At the very center of anything we discuss must be the institutional stabilization of the African American family and therefore African American marriages and partnerships. Right now the foundation of community and institution building is in crisis with no real way to stem the tide of the crisis. Building in more institutional support services for mental, physical, and nutritional health are just a few of the things needed along with financial stability programs would go a long way to the stability of African American marriage and partnerships. Generational wealth or generational poverty is on the line and great sacrifice must be made if we want the former and not more of the latter.
Analysis: European Americans unemployment rate pushes higher to 3.8 percent, a return to its five month high. Asian Americans decreased 50 basis points and Latino Americans increased 40 basis points from January, respectively. African Americans unemployment rate decreased 20 basis points from January. This is the second lowest rate in the past five months.
AFRICAN AMERICAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY GENDER & AGE
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN: 5.5%
AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN: 5.4%
AFRICAN AMERICAN TEENAGERS: 19.2%
AFRICAN AMERICAN PARTICIPATION BY GENDER & AGE
AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN: 68.3%
AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN: 62.7%
AFRICAN AMERICAN TEENAGERS: 30.6%
Analysis: African American Men saw a decrease in their unemployment rate by 140 basis points and African American Women remain unchanged in February, respectively. African American Men decreased their participation rate in February by 70 basis points. African American Women increased their participation rate in February by 20 basis points, their highest participation rate in the past five months. African American Teenagers unemployment rate increased by 970 basis points. African American Teenagers saw their participation rate increase by 530 basis points in February, their highest participation rate in the past five months.
African American Men-Women Job Gap: African American Women currently have 793,000 more jobs than African American Men in February. This is a decrease from 806,000 in January.
CONCLUSION: The overall economy added 151,000 jobs in February while African America added 80,000 jobs. From CNBC, “The report comes amid efforts from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to pare down the federal government, starting with buyout incentives and including mass firings that have impacted multiple departments. Though the reductions likely won’t be felt fully until coming months, the efforts are beginning to show. Federal government employment declined by 10,000 in February though government payrolls overall increased by 11,000, the BLS said. Many of the DOGE-related layoffs happened after the BLS survey reporting period, meaning they won’t be included until the March report. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported earlier this week that announced layoffs under Musk’s efforts totaled more than 62,000.”
HBCU Money 