Liberty Bank and Trust started small but dreamed big. Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, it began as a tiny trailer on Tulane Avenue. Back then, Black folks struggled to get loans from regular banks. Liberty stepped in to fill that gap. Alden McDonald Jr., the bank’s first CEO, believed in giving Black Americans a fair shot at building wealth. He knew trust was key.
Over 50 years, Liberty grew from $2 million to over $1 billion in assets. Alden’s leadership kept the bank focused on risky communities others ignored. They lent money to Black families buying homes and small businesses starting up. Even after Hurricane Katrina wiped out 90% of their customers, Liberty stayed open. Alden worked the front desk himself, handing out cash to help folks rebuild.
Now Alden’s son Todd is taking over. He’s got big plans to hit $10 billion in assets. Todd says Liberty isn’t just a Black bank—it’s a bank for all working-class Americans. He’s already raised millions from big banks like JPMorgan Chase. But the real challenge is changing minds. Too many Black folks still doubt a Black-owned bank can compete.
Liberty’s success comes from hard work, not handouts. They proved that lending to underserved communities can be profitable. While other banks pulled back, Liberty doubled down. They opened branches in 11 states and funded projects like affordable housing in New Orleans. Their secret? Treating customers like family, not numbers.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Alden warns of coming economic storms and a shaky real estate market. But he sees opportunity in chaos. Liberty plans to dive into digital banking and community projects. Todd’s pushing to make Liberty a household name nationwide. He’s meeting with Black leaders, urging them to invest in their own communities.
Some say Black-owned banks are relics of the past. Liberty proves they’re more relevant than ever. By sticking to their mission—empowering folks others ignore—they’ve become a powerhouse. The McDonalds show what’s possible when you bet on your own people. Their story isn’t just about money. It’s about pride, legacy, and proving the doubters wrong.
Liberty’s next chapter hinges on winning trust. Todd’s job is to convince a new generation that Black banks can deliver. With plans to expand and modernize, Liberty’s aiming to be a $10 billion force. For conservatives, it’s a lesson in self-reliance. Government didn’t build this success—grit, vision, and community did.
The McDonalds aren’t done yet. They’re fighting to keep Liberty growing while staying true to its roots. In a world where big banks often forget Main Street, Liberty remembers where it came from. Their story is a reminder: Real change starts when you believe in your own people.
