Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) President and Chief Executive Officer A. Shuanise Washington will be a featured speaker at the National Bankers Association (NBA) 86th Annual Convention this month, underscoring the Foundation’s efforts to provide greater access to capital in struggling, minority communities.
For 86 years, NBA has championed the interests of minority and women-owned banks, with the understanding that these banks play a critical role in sustaining the economic life of the communities that they serve. The convention, which is the association’s premiere gathering, is scheduled from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4 at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel.
“The National Bankers Association has supported African-American-owned banks for generations, and CBCF is proud to partner with NBA to bolster the economic strength of African-American banks,” said Washington. “I am looking forward to this special gathering, as well as other opportunities to work with NBA in supporting the financial institutions that support our communities.”
Washington’s appearance comes just two weeks after CBCF announced that it was investing $5 million in African-American banks as part of a broader effort to increase the availability of loans for small businesses and individuals in African-American communities. CBCF targeted banks in four regions around the country in an initiative that could prove crucial in advancing the economic recovery of black communities. In all, five banks will receive $1 million each. To-date, CBCF has invested $4 million of its $5 million commitment, with the final $1 million planned for first quarter of 2014.
“We are honored to have A. Shuanise Washington participate in the National Bankers Association’s 86th Annual Convention,” said Michael Grant, president of the National Bankers Association. “NBA conference attendees are looking forward to hearing from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation—an organization that continues to lead by example with its $5 million dollar investment in African-American-owned banks.”
Other conference speakers include Comptroller of the Currency Thomas Curry; Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed; and Randy Koporc, chief executive officer for Fifth Third Bank of Georgia. During the convention, a special tribute is also planned for the late Maynard H. Jackson who, as mayor of Atlanta, played a major role in strengthening minority-owned businesses by awarding them city contracts.
The National Bankers Association, founded in 1927, is the trade association for American’s 103 minority and women-owned banks (MWOBs). MWOB’s are located in 29 states and 2 territories, serving 60 cities and the District of Columbia. With more than 15,000 employees and more than 31 billion dollars in assets, these institutions service more than 3 million depositors.
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