At “1% vs. Democracy” March, Hundreds Rally for Economic Justice and Against Banks and Corporate Policies

Participants in the “The 1% vs. Democracy March” included community, faith, labor, musician Toki Wright, and Occupy activists. They rallied in front of U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo calling on the major banks to do more to prevent foreclosures and end lobbying and political activities that undermine school funding, restrict democracy and hurt immigrants and other communities. “The continued inequities we’ve witnessed at the hands of the big banks call us to stand up today, and rebuild our devastated communities,” said Pastor Jim Erlandson of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

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American Banker | Somali-Americans Withdraw Funds from U.S. Bancorp, Wells Fargo

More than 1,000 people signed a petition Friday pledging to withdraw their money from U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo, according to Minnesotans for a Fair Economy, a community group that has taken up the Somali expatriates’ cause. The list is mostly made up of Wells depositors, said Eric Fought, a spokesman for the community group. Somalis figured the two large banks would have the power to help. Officials at both companies have expressed their sympathy with the Somalis’ plight but said they too can’t find an affordable way to offer the services within the confines of the law.

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