Activist Al Piña settles with Bank of America, ends hunger strike

Florida activist Al Piña ended a three-day hunger strike after the target of his protest, Bank of America, agreed to an annual sit-down so his organization can monitor minority-lending practices.

Piña, who heads the Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition, has a similar arrangement already with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo.

Piña said he is scheduled to meet with various top Bank of America executives in Miami on July 9 to review current data and discuss goals and objectives.

Bank of America welcomed the dialogue, but indicated no formal agreement had been signed. In a statement, Bank of America's Florida president, Mike Fields, said, "We are pleased to resume our dialogue with FMCRC regarding the level of our commitment and investment in communities across the state of Florida. Bank of America is acutely aware of the needs of minority and low-income communities in Florida and nationwide."