Atlanta based rapper/civic leader Killer Mike jump started Black History Month in Atlanta alongside Usher, Jermaine Dupri & more, by encouraging the support of local, Black owned banks.

Mike hit the net this morning with the following plea:

We are gonna be opening accounts there and we encourage all of u too do the same! U can keep ya big bank account and use this one as a Savings or you can bring the whole operation. What ever u decide make sure at least 1 account is with a black bank turning that dollar in our community!
#ICATL #CuzImBlack #supportblackbusinesses #blackeconomics #blackdollarsmatter #SupportSmallLocalAndBlackBiz #IfYourNotBlackThatsCoolToo #AllMoneyAcceptedAndProtected #BankSmall #BankLocal #BankBlack

Mike’s request was heard by several in Atlanta’s entertainment community and they all joined forces to open accounts at Atlanta’s minority owned Citizens Trust Bank.

Details + photos & video below…

Usher & Killer Mike share a few words alongside Citizen Trust Bank’s president, Cynthia N. Day and Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall. as they acknowledge the importance

I personally spoke with Killer Mike after the event and one thing that he wanted ALL to know is that Citizens Trust Bank may be small but they’re 95 years strong!  Many of businesses on the Southside of Atlanta were built by loans from the nearly 100 year old bank.

Killer Mike & Usher

Usher, Big K.R.I.T., Jermaine Dupri, Killer Mike, Kap-G

Citizens Trust Bank is located at 75 Piedmont and is planning to expand it’s location soon.  You can open an account for as little as $5.00 to start.

Usher opening accounts…

Jermaine Dupri joined in on the crusade and also put a bit of his money in Citizens Trust.  Durpi shared the following video alongside Killer Mike and Usher after they all opened accounts.

VIDEO: Jermaine Dupri, Killer Mike & Usher

In explaining the need to support small, local, Black owned banks, Killer Mike states:

We’re banking small, banking local, banking BLACK!

SMALL because they’re here and they’re personable, LOCAL, because you can get to your money quick and Black because that’s what we are…

SALUTE to Killer Mike, Usher & Jermaine Dupri for making such an important statement! I’m heading over to CTB right now to open an account as well.

What do you think of Killer Mike, Usher & JD’s ‘Black Banking’ initiative?

PHOTOS: Brian Stukes (On-SiteFotos) + Shay Render (aka Mrs. Killer Mike)