today in Black history - feb 26

Andrew Brimmer became the first Black person nominated to serve on the Federal Reserve’s Board on February 26, 1966

“He had a keen ability to translate complex analytical insights into clear, practical, actionable recommendations. Thus, he was called upon for myriad analyses from the railroad industry to financial services to the macro-economic cost of discrimination and more.” —Dr. Lucy Reuben

The quotation above comes from a remembrance of Dr. Andrew Brimmer published in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Read the full piece here. Dr. Brimmer is widely known as one of the great economic thinkers of his era. He has been honored by many for his contributions. Tuskegee University created Andrew F. Brimmer Hall, a signature building on the University’s campus, that was named in honor of Dr. Brimmer who also served as Chairman of the Tuskegee University Board of Trustees.

This 2009 NPR interview with Dr. Brimmer is a good listen to learn more about his life and his economic insights in his own words:

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