Charlie Crist: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chairwoman Waters for promoting access to capital for minority borrowers.…”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chairwoman Waters for promoting access to capital for minority borrowers. Since the murder of George Floyd, our Nation has embarked on a true, broad-based push to defeat institutional racism. America is coming to realize that racism did not end with emancipation, and it did not end with civil rights. It is still very much with us all today. So, as we commit ourselves to Black Lives Matter, we need to also ensure Black communities matter, Black homeownership matters, Black wealth matters, and Black businesses matter. My hometown of south St. Petersburg, Florida, is blessed by a large and vibrant Black community where, despite their strength, pride, character, and entrepreneurial spirit, we are still working to overcome institutional racism. Underinvestment in the community, food deserts, and redlining exist. This past weekend, I witnessed the unveiling of the Black Lives Matter mural in front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum. It is right near one of my favorite restaurants on the south side, Chief's Creole Cafe. While the art moved me beyond words, reality quickly set in. The owners of Chief's Creole, the Brayboys, were told by their bank that they couldn't get a PPP loan, not because they didn't qualify, but because the big banks are leaving behind the smallest businesses, businesses overrepresented by Black, women, and veteran owners.…”