ccoovveerr ssttoorryy the African American community. However, this bank would seek to provide said community with economic opportunity through financial services and resources. Sometimes, movements create opportunity and change,” he explained. Along with his team, he succeeded in creating both. Utilizing Liberty Bank as the catalyst, he was able to accelerate home ownership and provide essential seed funding to soon-to-be restaurant owners and entrepreneurs in the local African American community. The bank also pioneered noteworthy accomplishments in economic development, healthcare and education. Starting with its first office on Liberty Street, Liberty Bank has grown to encompass five branches throughout New Orleans and twelve branches in eight states, including Louisiana. The bank’s assets have grown from $2 million to over $650 million, while employing close to 200 people. “The importance of a Liberty Bank goes far beyond what one can imagine,” Alden stated proudly. “We were the catalyst for growth “The of Black employment in the financial marketplace in the South. Furthermore, we were making loans importance of to the African American community when the other banks didn’t; a Liberty Bank providing home loans before anyone else. We had figured out how to do goes far beyond what major banks couldn’t and, as a result, we were able to truly serve what one can our community.” With this growth, backed by the imagine...” grateful support and patronage of a multiethnic clientele, Alden’s impact on the community continued to grow. Over the years, he has received local, regional and national recognition, being honored with numerous awards and sitting on a multitude of boards. S E P T E M B E R / O C TOB E R 2 0 1 6 breakthrumediamagazine.com | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | 17
19050BM
To see the actual publication please follow the link above