Bank of America calls police on ‘Black Panther’ director Ryan Coogler after attempting to withdraw $12,000 from his own account.
A 2022 incident involving Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and Bank of America has resurfaced on social media, reigniting discussions around racial profiling in banking. Originally, Coogler attempted to withdraw $12,000 discreetly at a Bank of America branch in Atlanta. Wearing a mask and sunglasses for privacy, he handed a note to the teller asking that the transaction be handled away from public view. However, the bank employees mistakenly believed it was a robbery attempt, prompting a call to the police. Coogler, along with two associates waiting outside, was detained but quickly released once the misunderstanding was clarified. Coogler later described the situation as “resolved” to his satisfaction but also requested police badge numbers from the officers involved.
The story recently gained traction again when an X account, @southlandpost, reposted it, such cases reveal broader patterns of racial profiling in banking. For example, Joe Morrow, a young Black man in Minnesota, faced a similar experience when attempting to cash his paycheck at a U.S. Bank branch. Despite showing identification, he was accused of check fraud, resulting in the police being called and his subsequent arrest. The bank later settled quietly after scrutiny over the incident increased.
Additionally, research points to frequent “#BankingWhileBlack” occurrences where Black customers are met with suspicion, heightened security, and sometimes even verbal or physical confrontation during routine transactions.
These repeated incidents show that, despite public calls for reform and diversity training within banks, deeply rooted biases persist, often leading to traumatic experiences for Black customers. Efforts toward change remain essential to prevent racial profiling and create safer, more equitable banking environments.
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