1959: Black credit union opens in Vancouver

Housing in Vancouver was, and is, extremely difficult for Black tenants and aspiring homeowners. Leonard Lane recognized this and, in 1959, opened the first Black credit union in BC, a branch of the BC Unity Credit Union. As a founding member and treasurer, he led the movement for economic and racial equity and gave access to credit for Black individuals and families. Leonard served as treasurer for eight years. The BC Unity Credit Union merged with Vancity in 1971.