Operation Hope hosted their annual meeting December 11-13, 2022, in Atlanta. The Global Forum consisted of main stage conversations, breakout sessions and real talk from some of the nation’s leaders in the areas of finance, banking, and corporate leadership. Not only were financial and corporate leaders a part of the Global Forum, but newly elected Georgia Senator Raphael Warnock also made and appearance with TD Jakes, T.I and Ambassador Andrew Jackson.
John Hope Bryant, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Operations Hope said that he sees the civil rights campaign for this generation as the campaign for financial literacy. Bryant also raided the issue of “silver rights.” As Americans age. the financial protections for those that are the most vulnerable in our society need certain protections, thus the campaign for ‘silver rights.” Bryant said, “Our goal is that by the time your kids grow up, financial literacy is in school, kindergarten through college as a requirement so that everyone learns the language of money.”
The language of money was on display throughout the weekend. John Hope Bryant used the power of his connections to create an environment of learning and calls for advocacy and financial literacy. Speakers such as PayPal CEO, Dan Schulman, Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian and shared their commitment to expanding financial literacy and spoke about how their companies’ made adjustments within their organizational structures to meet the needs and financial challenges of their employees. Walmart CEO and president Doug McMilion, who worked his way to the top of the organization having started out as a Walmart employee, spoke of the adjustments made within the company whose current leadership was once a store associate. McMillion said he feels the importance of “being personally involved” and that “financial stress for families is a big deal.”
Black women in power also had a key role during the Global Forum. Head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo, Kristy Fercho to President of MSNBC, Rashida Jones and media personality, Angela Ye graced the stage to share their wisdom and expertise and to speak about the roles that women play not only in the finance industry but their unique roles in creating more welcoming, more inclusive and more diverse places for not just women but for everyone in society.
Recently re-elected Senator Raphael Warnock shared the stage with John Hope Bryant to talk about the work he was doing in the senate to make lasting changes for this country. As Chairman of the Civil Banking committee, Warnock has a passion for financial literacy and a passion for being a politician that works across party lines to ensure progress.
The Hope Global Forum transcended generational discussions on financial literacy and generational wealth. One of the most powerful conversations was moderated by media personality Charlamagne and included John Hope Bryant, T.I., Killer Mike and former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young. Young, T.I and Killer Mike, all native to Atlanta, discussed the struggles they witness in their hometown. T.I spoke candidly about not being able to finance real estate projects as well as the ability to convince needed resources such as a retail pharmacy to occupy space in his new real estate development. Young shared how Killer Mike, as a youth, worked with then Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young to raise money for Ethiopia.
The Global Forum provided a unique opportunity for leaders and those on the front lines of changing the landscape of financial literacy to speak and share about the work they were doing both publicly and privately. The forum also demonstrated the importance of relational currency and how you can learn from others who may not look like you but have a common interest. In the words of former Ambassador Young, “Don’t curse the darkness light a candle.” We can change the landscape of all of our financial futures by simply lighting a candle of literacy.
For more information on Operation Hope head to https://operationhope.org and for more information on the Hope Global Forum head to https://hopeglobalforums.org
