On Friday, July 12, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will host the annual Freedman’s Bank Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event will feature U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, Governor Roy Cooper, Biden-Harris Administration officials, and key leaders from various sectors. The forum aims to highlight efforts to increase economic opportunities for communities of color and showcase local success stories around Raleigh.
The Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company was established in 1865 to provide newly emancipated Black Americans with financial tools to safeguard their earnings and build wealth. In 2015, then-Treasury Secretary Jack Lew inaugurated an annual conference at the site of the original Freedman’s Bank Building to address racial economic disparities.
A detailed schedule for the forum is provided below. All events are open press with approximate times:
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Symposium
1:00 PM – Opening remarks:
Speakers include pre-recorded remarks by Secretary Janet L. Yellen; Governor Roy Cooper; Dr. Paulette Dillard, President of Shaw University; Congresswoman Valerie Foushee; John Hope Bryant, Chairman of Operation HOPE; Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin of Raleigh.
Location: Estey Hall, Shaw University
1:30 PM – Fireside chat with Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo:
An in-depth conversation about delivering capital to underserved communities and investments in Black financial institutions.
Moderated by John Hope Bryant.
Location: Estey Hall, Shaw University
2:00 - 2:10 PM – Opening remarks and introduction to the panel:
Speakers include Carolina Ferrerosa Young, Ph.D., Chief Economic Advisor at the White House Office of the Vice President; Congresswoman Valerie Foushee.
Location: Estey Hall, Shaw University
2:10 PM – Panel discussion:
Discussion on how local organizations in Raleigh use national funds to support Black entrepreneurs.
Moderated by Armer Kenchen from NC Rural Center.
Featuring Travis Rouse (M&F Bank), Crystal German (Self-Help Credit Union), Roberta McCullough (Institute Capital).
Location: Estey Hall, Shaw University
2:55 PM – Closing remarks:
Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin will deliver closing remarks.
3:00 PM – Open house:
Booths from local organizations such as Operation Hope and M&F Bank will provide information for small businesses.
Interagency partners include HUD, DOT, MBDA, and SBA.
Location: Estey Hall President Conference Room.
What: Freedman's Bank Summer Symposium
Who:
U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo
Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin
Carolina Ferrerosa Young
Governor Roy Cooper
Dr. Paulette Dillard
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee
Chairman John Hope Bryant
Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin
Mayor Leonardo Williams
When: July 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Where: Shaw University,
118 E South St,
Raleigh, NC 27601
Press interested in covering this event can RSVP via email at press@treasury.gov.
A livestream will be available online.
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