The movie The Banker is based on the remarkable true story of Bernard Garrett Sr. and Joe Morris, two pioneering African American businessmen who, in the 1950s and 1960s, developed an ingenious strategy to circumvent racial segregation in the real estate and banking industries.
The Pioneering Vision of Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris
In an era deeply marked by racial discrimination and segregation, Bernard Garrett (portrayed by Anthony Mackie in the film) and Joe Morris (played by Samuel L. Jackson) recognized the immense potential in real estate and banking. They saw firsthand how Black communities were systematically denied access to fair housing loans and business capital. Their audacious goal was to acquire banks and properties to provide opportunities for African Americans, fostering economic empowerment within their communities.
Their Bold Strategy: Undermining Segregation
To achieve their vision in a racially segregated society, Garrett and Morris devised a clever, albeit unconventional, plan. They purchased banks and properties primarily in California and Texas. However, due to the prevalent racial biases that would have prevented them from operating openly, they employed a white man, Matt Steiner (played by Nicholas Hoult), to act as the public face of their growing empire.
This strategy, while embodying what some might call "scams or deceptions" from a conventional standpoint (as hinted in the film's description), was a calculated maneuver to navigate and challenge deeply ingrained systemic racism. It allowed them to:
- Acquire Assets: Secretly purchase and control multiple banks and real estate holdings.
- Bypass Discrimination: Conduct business transactions and appear before boards where their race would have otherwise led to immediate rejection.
- Empower Communities: Use the acquired banks to provide fair loans to Black individuals and businesses, enabling them to purchase homes and establish enterprises, which was often impossible through traditional white-owned institutions.
The film, released in 2020, brings to light the extraordinary lengths these men went to break down barriers and create opportunities for their community during a pivotal time in American history. It's a unique narrative centered on a bank, not about robbing it, but about using it as a tool for social change and economic justice, even if it involved unconventional methods to outmaneuver discriminatory systems.
Key Figures and Their Roles in the True Story
| Figure | Role in the True Story | Portrayed by (Film) |
|---|---|---|
| Bernard Garrett Sr. | Mastermind behind the strategy, focused on real estate and acquiring banks to serve the Black community. | Anthony Mackie |
| Joe Morris | Garrett's business partner and mentor, providing capital and strategic guidance. | Samuel L. Jackson |
| Matt Steiner | The white associate hired by Garrett and Morris to serve as the visible "face" of their banking and real estate operations. | Nicholas Hoult |
| Eunice Garrett | Bernard Garrett's wife, a key figure who was also actively involved in their business and often posed as Steiner's secretary. | Nia Long |
Impact and Legacy
Bernard Garrett and Joe Morris's efforts had a significant impact, enabling numerous African Americans to achieve homeownership and financial stability. Their story highlights the ingenuity and resilience required to challenge deeply entrenched racial barriers in mid-20th century America. While their operations eventually faced scrutiny and legal challenges, their legacy as pioneers who fought for economic equality and opportunity remains an important chapter in American history.
