Empowering the Grassroots: Innovating Financial Capability from the Ground Up

Wednesday, September 5
4:15-5:30 PM

Room: Chesapeake G-I

Topics:Financial Capability, Improve Your Program, Racial Wealth Equity

While individual behavior is often blamed for racialized wage and wealth divides, compelling evidence indicates that racial economic inequality is primarily the result of long-term investment in some communities and a lack of investment in others. Therefore, with the right supports, the institutions closest to the problem are also most poised to develop innovative strategies to bridge the divide from the ground up. This session will share promising, innovative economic empowerment pilot projects that cities are spearheading to assist low-income African Americans out of poverty.

Speakers:

• Gary Cunningham, Metropolitan Economic Development Association
• Melissa Hicks, Self Enhancement, Inc.
• Marcus Owens, African American Leadership Forum (AALF)
• Andrea Caupain Sanderson, Byrd Barr Place
• Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, Prosperity Now (moderator)

Visit the Speakers page to view full biographies.

Presentation:

• Empowering The Grassroots: Innovating Financial Capability From The Ground Up