This book is a masterful historical analysis of the inexorably connected spheres of racism, wealth, and finance, as well as a compelling example of the folly in attempting to disconnect economic analyses from historical realities. Baradaran details the challenges of running Black banks as a commercial entity that need to remain a going concern while serving a smaller, financially risky customer base and trying to serve a social purpose. That financial risk is rooted in the US's history of slavery and racism, which is laid out in its economic context here.

For those hoping of an exhaustive, focused account of the Black banking sector specifically you will likely want a bit more on that topic after reading the book. I myself was hoping for a bit more here, but thankfully Baradaran cites lots of useful sources to follow up on.

Overall this is an essential book for those hoping to understand and improve the economy and economic and social justice in the US.