Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO)
The Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO) is a political and social justice coalition working in Benton Harbor, Michigan. It was founded to protest the June 16, 2003 death of Terrance Shurn, a 28 year old African-American, while being pursued by Benton Harbor police. A riot followed the death, as accounts differed as to whether Shurn had lost contol of his motorcyle or had been forced off the road by police.
BANCO organized rallies in the days following Shurn's death and the resulting disturbanc. It has since broadened its scope to support candidates for local office. BANCO retains its focus on monitoring police activities.
In September 2004, BANCO announced it had purchased facilities to open a textile plant in Benton Harbor. The cloth-cutting operation is intended to alleviate poverty by offering local employment opportunities.
BANCO self-conciously attempts to continue the work of the American civil rights movement.
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