T.I., Young Thug, Killer Mike, and More Move Their Money to Black-Owned Banks— Will You?

It's been a couple of weeks since Killer Mike put out his most recent call for folks to move their money to black-owned business, specifically banks, as a form of protest following the heinous murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling by police. Since the Atlanta rapper made his statements during a fiery interview with Atlanta's 107.9, black-owned bank, Citizen's Trust, had over 8,000 people open new accounts—a sure indication that Mike's words weren't only heard but were acted upon. Citizen Trust CEO, Cynthia N. Day was thankful, tweeting her appreciation and saying, "together we can make a difference."

Yesterday (July 21), rappers in Houston, including Slim Thug, Willie D, Trae Tha Truth, Paul Wall and Lil KeKe opened up accounts at Unity National Bank, the only Black-owned bank in the entire state of Texas. It appears as though T.I., who participated in an event along with Usher, Jermaine Dupri and Killer Mike supporting Citizen's Trust, took Young Thug and Young Dolph to open accounts there as well.

Certainly, the move by some of hip-hop's biggest names to advocate for black business, not just as a form of protest against state-sanctioned violence against black people, but as a way of empowering the community is commendable. With critics always calling on rappers to be more accountable to the community and become more socially and politically active/aware, it seems as though at least a few of them are answering the call. The question remains on if their listeners will follow suit.