Los Angeles, CA – March 27, 2017 – OneUnited Bank joins with #BlackLivesMatter to establish a trust for the child of Wakiesha Wilson, who died in police custody, with a $10,000 gift. The trust will be used to support her child’s college education.
In honor of Black History Month, OneUnited Bank announced that it has joined with #BlackLivesMatter to organize the spending power of the Black community and to introduce the Amir Visa Debit Card. The establishment of this gift, on the one year anniversary of Ms. Wilson’s passing, is another way in which the organizations are working together.
Wakiesha Wilson was found hanging in her cell on March 27, 2016. A civilian police oversight board found there was no force used against Ms. Wilson, who officials say killed herself while in Los Angeles police custody. Wilson’s family questions the police department’s account of her death. She leaves behind a 14 year old son.
“We are honored to join with #BlackLivesMatter to provide this gift for Ms. Wilson’s son,” states Teri Williams, President and COO of OneUnited Bank. “It’s important to recognize that there was a child impacted by this tragic event and this gift can symbolize our community support for his future. We look forward to also sharing some financial literacy lessons that will help him through life.
“The death of Wakiesha Wilson, and all of those who die in police custody, wounds and traumatizes families and entire communities. While the state refuses resources and support, we are deeply appreciative of OneUnited Bank for stepping up. This college fund is but one way in which OneUnited is engaged of transformative work and committed to harnessing Black economic power for the collective good of the people, and it’s another reason why we are so hopeful about our partnership,” says Melina Abdullah of Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles.
The trust is being established at OneUnited Bank with Lisa Hines, Wakiesha Wilson’s mother, serving as a custodian. Gifts can be sent to Black Lives Matter c/o Los Angeles Community Action Network, 838 E. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 and made payable to Lisa Hines.
President & COO of OneUnited Bank, Teri Williams states, “The #BankBlack and #BuyBlack movements are an outgrowth of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which has increased awareness of the importance of supporting the Black community. OneUnited is using social media to tell inspiring stories, answer questions, teach financial literacy and help everyone appreciate the power of our dollars.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Suzan McDowell, Circle of One Marketing, [email protected] or 305-576-3790.
ONEUNITED BANK:
OneUnited Bank is the premier bank for urban communities, the largest Black-owned bank, the first Black internet bank and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Its mission is to provide affordable financial services to support economic development in urban communities and maintain superior financial performance to maximize shareholder value. OneUnited is an FDIC insured bank and an equal housing lender.
