Workers Enterprise Bank

Front: Chartered in 1919, the Workers Enterprise Bank was the first Black-owned bank in Bennettsville and one of the only such institutions then in S.C. It opened in 1920 in this purpose-built, one-story brick building. The bank’s founders included local African American leaders Edward Sawyer, Carolina Breeden, Jonas Thomas, George Pegues, and Kestler Reese. It was built on land owned by Thomas, who ran a hotel and store in an adjacent building. Reverse: After Reconstruction, southern African Americans opened banks like this one to provide economic opportunity to community members who were routinely denied access to credit and other financial services. The Workers Enterprise Bank was a valuable resource for Black families, businesses, and farmers from across Marlboro Co., who came here to obtain personal loans and mortgages, open savings accounts, and conduct other business. The bank closed in December 1924.