"UPLIFT" and the "American Aspiration Tour"
Aim to Improve Economic Mobility in Birmingham and Montgomery
ATLANTA, Oct. 2, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Operation HOPE is proud to announce the arrival of
The American Aspiration Tour (AAT) and UPLIFT,
multi-city initiatives aimed at transforming financial literacy
across the nation. Spearheaded by John Hope
Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, the events seek
to empower individuals and communities through actionable financial
education, equipping underserved communities with the tools and
knowledge to enhance economic mobility and close the wealth
gap.
The events in Birmingham and
Montgomery will take place on
October 3, 2024. Each is open to the
public at no cost. To register, click HERE.
"Our goal with The American Aspiration Tour and
UPLIFT is to bridge the financial literacy gap, one city at
a time. By creating opportunities for meaningful discussions, we
aim to not only inspire change but equip communities with the
skills they need to build brighter financial futures," said
John Hope Bryant. "We're addressing
the root causes of economic inequality by empowering individuals
with the tools to succeed in today's economy."
Alabama's financial literacy
challenge is clear. According to HOPE's Community Credit Index
(CCI), the average credit score in the state is 692—one of the
lowest in the nation. UPLIFT and AAT aim to tackle overarching
issues head-on. By providing residents with the knowledge and
tools to better manage credit, save, and invest, Operation HOPE
aims to build a more financially resilient community. Other HOPE
CCI data reveals the positive impact of HOPE's local programs,
including:
Birmingham:
- Average beginning credit score for clients - 587
- Average increase in credit score for clients - +44 points
- Median reduction of client debt - -$1,064
- Median increase in client savings - +$915
Montgomery:
- Average beginning credit score for clients - 583
- Average increase in credit score for clients - +36 pts
- Median reduction of client debt - $496
- Median increase in client savings - +$1000
In addition to Alabama, the
tours will make stops in other states including Georgia, Missouri, North
Carolina and Ohio, among
others. Each will feature thought-provoking conversations with
local leaders about financial empowerment, economic justice, and
the role of financial literacy in building a more equitable
society. AAT events will also spotlight Financial Literacy for
All, the best-selling book by Mr. Bryant, which explores
critical solutions for creating widespread economic prosperity.
"Operation HOPE is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partner
our community needs," said Mayor Randall
Woodfin of Birmingham.
"Financial literacy is the foundation of economic success, and I am
excited that Birmingham is part of
this impactful movement."
"Money won't solve everything, but I believe increasing
financial literacy can go a long way in improving outcomes for our
citizens," said Montgomery Mayor
Steven Reed. "We want to
improve the financial health of families and individuals in a
manner that leads to long-term economic success. Our partnership
with Operation HOPE is key to achieving this goal."
With financial inclusion at its core, Operation HOPE is
determined to ensure that every event participant leaves inspired,
with a deeper understanding of budgeting, investing, homeownership,
and credit management— all of which are key pillars to building
generation wealth.
About the American Aspiration Tour
The American
Aspiration Tour (AAT) is a multi-city event designed to
increase financial literacy across the
United States. This tour, led by Operation HOPE, will
empower individuals and communities through financial education,
with the ultimate goal of enhancing economic mobility and closing
the wealth gap. AAT includes a series of meaningful conversations
with leaders across the nation. It will also serve as a platform to
highlight "Financial Literacy for All," the latest book by
Operation HOPE founder, John Hope
Bryant. Visit
https://operationhope.org/american-aspiration-tour/ for more
info.
About HOPE UPLIFT
UPLIFT, an acronym for
'Understanding, Promoting, and Leveraging Financial Tools,'
embodies Operation HOPE's commitment to equipping individuals and
communities with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve
financial well-being. Through a series of engaging events hosted by
HOPE and other dedicated local partners, such as the US Small
Business Administration, UPLIFT aims to introduce and educate
communities about its ongoing programs nationwide.
About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has tirelessly pursued its mission of
advancing economic empowerment and opportunity across America.
Through innovative programs like HOPE Inside, recognized by
American Banker magazine, the organization has impacted over 4
million individuals and facilitated nearly $4 billion in economic activity in underserved
communities. Its initiatives have transformed lives by
transitioning check-cashing customers to banking, renters to
homeowners, and minimum wage workers to living wage earners.
Recently honored with Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Award and
maintaining a top 4-star charity rating from Charity Navigator,
Operation HOPE remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency,
accountability, and driving entrepreneurship. Join the organization
in leveling the economic playing field through The 1865 Project.
Learn more at OperationHOPE.org and join the conversation on social
media at @operationHOPE.
Contacts:
Kevin
Boucher, for AAT
kevin.boucher@operationhope.org
Lance Triggs, for HOPE UPLIFT
lance.triggs@operationhope.org
Lalohni Campbell, Operation HOPE
LA@persemediagroup.com
(404) 593-7145
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SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.