The Vivian’s Door Initiative is inspired by the courage and legacy of the late Vivian Malone Jones. She was the first African American to graduate from the University of Alabama and was responsible for ending the segregation of public universities in the state of Alabama. Vivian’s courage and will power to create change for her brothers and sisters of color inspired the creation of a nonprofit project called Vivian’s Door.
In March 2020, Vivian’s Door started a book club: their first pick was The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap by Mehrsa Baradaran. In June, over 50 people joined the online discussion of the book. Here, some of the members reflect on the impact of reading the book and what it’s taught them.
“This book by Professor Mehrsa Baradaran was the best book we could have chosen, not knowing that we faced many external forces beyond our control, like COVID-19 and racial equality protests throughout the country, the world, and a looming economic recession. The book was a good read, and we had 100 people in the book club all reading along and engaging in powerful conversations during these unprecedented times. It moved, touched, and inspired them to understand their history, reach out to their community, and become more engaged in supporting black businesses. It taught me more black history than I had ever learned from anywhere else and made me a more persuasive communicator and champion for growing strong black businesses to create wealth in marginalized, low-income, and underserved communities.”
—Janice Malone
“This book is riveting, insightful, and impactful. Every Black man and woman in America should read and beware of the content it holds.”
—Antwan Taylor
“The Color of Money was an eye-opening book, and, honestly, I wished I would’ve read it earlier in life. It taught me so much more black history than I ever had in school and motivated me, even more, to keep working hard for my community.”
—JaVaughnae Malone
“Professor Mehrsa Baradaran totally transformed the way I viewed wealth in America, especially the growing wealth gap in the Black community. I went through a range of emotions as I read her book, The Color of Money. I hate to sound melodramatic, but this book changed the way I look at socioeconomics and Black wealth in our country.”
—Freddie D. Stokes
“The Color of Money is a must-read; its historical significance can never be underrated, it delivers an educational guide to understanding the wealth gap between black and white America, how it happened, when, why, and its long-lasting effects on the black community.” —Robert E. Clopton, Sr.
“What I learned from the book that was key to me is how black banking and businesses may not be the answers we think they are due to white flight, redlining, and how these instances of segregation economically impact our community, creating a system where our areas are continuously low in overall wealth and the ability accumulate wealth.”
—Shannon Treadwell
“In this book, I have learned about money multipliers, motivational factors to bank with black owned banks, and most importantly how every little step in the right direction is securing a better future for my children. A special thank you to the author for this timeless wisdom that will truly enrich all generations, regardless of race.”
—Tiffany Harris
Thanks to the members of Vivian’s Door for providing their thoughts and comments.
