Empowering Community: U.S. Bank's Black Heritage Branch in Los Angeles


02/29/2024


The ongoing celebration of Black History Month by U.S. Bank recently featured a lively block party and ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly revamped Slauson and Crenshaw branch. This branch marks a significant milestone as the inaugural U.S. Bank Black Heritage Community branch, showcasing design enhancements that pay homage to the rich cultural legacy of the Crenshaw community in Los Angeles.
 
The event welcomed esteemed guest speaker Maxine Waters, the longstanding U.S. representative for California's 43rd congressional district and current ranking member of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.
 
In a demonstration of continued commitment to the revitalization of the Crenshaw District, U.S. Bank generously donated $100,000 to two local organizations. Destination Crenshaw received $50,000 to bolster the Build Back Crenshaw Workplace Apprentice Program, while Local Initiatives Support Corp (LISC) of Los Angeles was granted $50,000 to support the Black Women Vend - Crenshaw Micro-Enterprise Program.
 
U.S. Bank's involvement with Destination Crenshaw dates back to 2022, when the bank's Impact Finance community development division invested $8.9 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocations to support the transformative development initiative. Destination Crenshaw aims to become the largest public Black art project in the United States, commissioning over 100 temporary and permanent works by Black artists with deep connections to Los Angeles. Notably, a piece is set to adorn the vicinity behind the U.S. Bank Slauson and Crenshaw Branch, with the branch itself featuring a mural crafted by and for the local community, titled "The Heart of Hyde Park," spearheaded by lead artist Moses Ball and commissioned by L.A. Commons.
 
The block party celebration was further enriched by the presence of local artists, food trucks, and longtime U.S. Bank client Crenshaw Coffee. Attendees were delighted to receive complimentary branded tote bags adorned with airbrush art designs by local artist Tamika Quillard, which they could utilize while exploring the adjacent Food Access Los Angeles Farmer’s Market.
 
The Black Heritage Community branch aims to provide a tailored, culturally immersive experience for its diverse clientele, fostering stronger bonds with customers, employees, and the community at large. Designed to serve as a hub for community engagement, the branch offers space for hosting various free events, including financial health workshops, skills training sessions, and opportunities for small business pop-ups. Customers benefit from complimentary access to financial wellness resources, personalized advice, and a range of products and services. Additionally, the branch actively collaborates with local community leaders to address community needs effectively.
 
To gain further insight into the vibrant Crenshaw community and U.S. Bank's unwavering dedication to empowering individuals in Los Angeles, we encourage you to watch the video provided above.