August 25th 2023.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass), a black House Democrat, is holding big banks accountable to their promises of improving racial equity in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. According to NBC, she has issued a demand to JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, U.S. Bancorp, and Wells Fargo, urging them to provide an “comprehensive financial audit report” by October 23rd.
Pressley understands that black lives still matter and that systems of oppression must be dismantled. She told NBC, “Whether you’re talking about redlining or denying credit for Black homebuyers and entrepreneurs, or closing brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities, Black folks have historically been denied opportunities to grow wealth, to achieve financial prosperity.”
The Democrat, who is a vocal advocate for what is right, also spoke about the amount of damage done to the Black community. She said, “The harm was very precise. The work of restorative justice, of racial justice, of justice for Black Americans, has to be just as precise.”
Pressley is a powerhouse and a leader in the Republican-dominated House. She believes the banks are aware of their obligation to do the right thing and told NBC, “You have to first just lay it out there. They will be responsive. They want to be on the right side of history.”
At the NAACP Juanita Mitchell Gala, a Black Met Gala event, Pressley gave a passionate speech to the youth. She shared her mission of using her position in the House to take up space in the corridors of power and fight for justice for Black Americans.
None of the banks have commented yet, according to NBC. It remains to be seen if they will follow Pressley’s request and prove their commitment to restoring justice for the Black community.
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