how do i get rid of the google banner?
You can't in the standard launcher UI. It might be possible with a third party launcher.
Google Now launcher is fixed. Something that Google made mandatory years ago. You have to use a 3rd party launcher.
I use Nova Launcher and it has an option to get rid of the banner.
If you're referring to the Google search bar, long-press an empty space on a home screen, tap Settings, turn Google Search off by tapping the radio button on the right-hand side of the screen.
