Kevin Cohee, the owner, Chairman and CEO of OneUnited Bank, is on a mission to improve financial literacy among Black Americans and close the racial wealth gap. As the largest Black-owned bank and the first Black-owned internet bank in America, OneUnited Bank is leading the charge in using technology to educate and empower low-income families.
Cohee comes from a lineage of individuals dedicated to helping Black Americans achieve economic success. His great-great-grandfather, Charles Cohee Jr., fought for equal rights for Black Americans as part of the Dawes Commission and secured 40-acre allotments for Freedmen in Oklahoma. This fueled Black wealth and led to the development of Black Wall Street in Tulsa’s Greenwood District.
Following in his ancestor’s footsteps, Kevin Cohee spearheaded the Bank Black movement in 2016. He merged several community banks across the country, including Founders National Bank, Family Savings Bank, People National Bank, and Boston Bank of Commerce, to create OneUnited Bank.
Recognizing the changing landscape of banking, Cohee understood the need to incorporate technology into financial services. He launched Wise One, a revolutionary AI-driven financial wellness companion that utilizes artificial intelligence to improve financial well-being. Wise One offers actionable insights, powerful videos, financial literacy modules, and more to help users make informed financial decisions and build generational wealth.
In an interview with NewsOne, Cohee emphasized the importance of financial literacy in wealth accumulation and job opportunities. He highlighted how the lack of financial education in schools leaves many Black Americans ill-equipped to make sound financial decisions. To address this issue, Cohee believes that tools like Wise One, powered by data aggregation and artificial intelligence, are essential for leveling the playing field and creating a more fair and just society.
Cohee also shared his advice for young entrepreneurs, emphasizing the vast opportunities technology provides. He emphasized the need to adapt to the changing landscape and harness the power of artificial intelligence and technology to create successful businesses.
As a third-generation member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Cohee credits fraternities for providing valuable mentorship, resources, and important life lessons about manhood. He speaks fondly of the support and kinship he has received from his fraternity brothers and highlights the role fraternities play in shaping individuals’ lives.
Kevin Cohee’s commitment to improving financial literacy, leveraging technology, and creating opportunities for Black Americans showcases his dedication to advancing economic success and equality. Through initiatives like Wise One, OneUnited Bank is empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures and make informed decisions that lead to wealth accumulation and prosperity.
