Event
"The Black Man’s Cow But the White Man’s Milk": The Rise and Fall of the Freedman's Bank
Fee:
Free.Location:
913 West Street, Beaufort South CarolinaDates & Times
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Type of Event
Description
Today, the records of the Freedman's Bank are some of the most important documents for African Americans conducting geneaological research. However, what was the Freedman's Bank?
Established on March 3, 1865, the Freedman's Savings and Trust Company was intended to provide financial support for formerly enslaved people. However, a combination of mismangement, corruption, an econominc recession, and increasing opposition to Reconstruction ultimate led to its collapse. Frederick Douglass, president of the bank towards the end of its operation, called the failing institution "the black man’s cow but the white man’s milk".
Join us on the evening of May 4, 2022 at 6 pm at the Second Founding of America Learning Center at 913 West Street for a one hour lecture by park ranger Chris Barr from Reconstruction Era National Historical Park exploring the history and legacy of this important institution. For those unable to attend in person, The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corrdidor will be livestreaming the presentation via Zoom, which you can register for at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc-Ghpj4pEtGFbevd8LMR5XHVpDTzdukA or by contacting info@gullahgeecheecorridor.org
This program is in partnership between the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, The Second Founding of America, and Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.