John Hope Bryant

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Thought for the Day

"Every closed eye is not sleep."

My mentor and personal hero civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young told me this when, one day a few years ago, I was reading him something I wrote, and frankly I thought he had gone to sleep on me. I was saddened and thought maybe he thought it was well, a "sleeper" (smile) -- until he opened his left eye and told me exactly what I had said over 20 minutes, and his view of same. Lessons everywhere. Never assume anything, about anyone. Be amazed by the continued wonder of life.

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John Hope Bryant

Quote of the Day

"If you are going to pray, why worry. If you are going to worry, why pray."

Thought of the Day

I asked my Japanese mentor, Ambassador Saburo Yuzawa, "what is the purpose to life?" He said, "I will tell you." But when I tried to sit down and to take time to listen to what I thought would be an hours long explaination, he told me not to get too cozy, as it would only take a moment to explain. The thing he said next, more than a decade ago now, changed my life.

He told me, "John, the purpose to life is to become transparent to God's will." Wow, I said. How do I do that?" Response;

"The only way to become transparent to God's will, is to also learn to become reasonably comfortable in ones own skin. And the key there, is to learn how to get out of your own way." How often I asked (smile)." His final response, "every single day.". This has been my daily mandate on my life every day since.

Quote of the Day

"The key to life is successfully managing pain."

Fred D. Smith, friend and advisor to John Hope Bryant.

Financial Literacy Factoid

The number one reason why black and brown people drop out of college is not academics, it's money.

John Hope Bryant

Quote of the Day

"There is more success from base hits and bunts in life, than from home runs. Dr. King gave the 'I Have A Dream' speech 100 times before the March on Washington. Never, ever, ever give up on your dreams."

John Hope Bryant

NAACP Rings the Bell at NYSE at 100 Year Anniversary

Congratulations to my friend Ben Jealous, president and CEO of the NAACP, along with HOPE board member and friend Robert Marchman, EVP and the hghest ranking African-American at the NYSE, for coming together and the NAACP "Ringing the Bell" at the New York Stock Exchange today in celebration of its incredible 100 year anniversary!   The NAACP has certainly "added" to our nation's rich history of freedom, for all.

John Hope Bryant, founder, Operation HOPE

Bryant Speaks Out On “The Jobs Debate”

The Financial Times estimates that approximately 50 million jobs will be lost to this global economic crisis, and I happen to believe that is a conservative number, as more than 25 million jobs have already been lost in China alone.  Additionally, the World Economic Forum estimates that soon 100 million jobs will be needed throughout the Middle East, for a population that is also estimated will soon be 60% populated by those 25 years old or younger.  And if you can accept, having nothing to do with racism and discrimination and everything to do with individuals operating in what I refer to as “circles of comfort, “ that minorities, women and people of  color often are the last hired and the first fired – then “jobs” in the traditional sense of that term are not coming back anytime soon.

Kuwaiti activist takes part in economic forum

Check out this inspiring piece from the Kuwaiti Times about a young man that I have decided will travel from the Middle East as a new HOPE Intern.  Read the complete story here.

Quote of the Day

"An entrepreneur works 18 hours a day to keep from getting a job."

John Hope Bryant

“The World Has Lost its Storyline: Finding our way forward, beyond the economic crisis.”

 

I keep saying that this is not a global recession, but a global reset.  What I mean is that the so-called prosperity we have experienced in years gone by is well, gone.  We will no doubt see prosperity again, but it will look differently, feel differently, be different (meaning, that this time it will be real and sustainable) and I believe, be achieved differently.  I have also said that this crisis is not about economics per se, but a crisis of virtues and values. 

 

Think about the innovators and leaders you admire?  They dreams big dreams, and were passionate about what I call the power of the idea.  From Richard Branson and his Virgin empire, to Bill Gates and his Microsoft, and now his foundation, to the woman that founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving in the United States, to my friend Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum and the Forum of Young Global Leaders, for which I a member, to the framers of the original vision for OECD itself.  They were all driven by the power of the idea.  The problem is that today and over the past 5-10 years, you have had individuals, all over the world, who woke up and said “I want to make money,” or “I want to be powerful.”   This is the wrong ambition, and it led to the wrong outcome.  The odd thing is, if you pursue the power of the idea, and you find a way to serve humanity, to add value, to empower people and to move our world forward, you will ultimately become wealthy (spiritually if not financially) and very powerful, but this was never the end goal.  To quote OECD’s Joanne Caddy, “we have lost our storyline,” and finding a way forward, and developing and philosophy and strategy for sustainable global prosperity again will require that we get it back.

Christmas, Quincy Jones, A Special Memory, and "The Greatest Entertainer"

As I sat and watched the memorial service today for the late Michael Jackson, in between the deep moments of personal sadness, there were sweet, swet memories.  Memories, of course, like growing up on the music of Michael Jackson and the amazing Jackson 5 -- or "African American Royalty," as I referred to the Jackson family as a young boy.  As a young boy growing up, there was simply no other black family like this one --- in the world; and I was proud. And then there were memories that touched me even deeper, because they were still very much with me in the present as I sat there watching the memorial.  My mind and heart, turned to Quincy Jones, who thought of Michael as his "little brother." 

Just before Christmas last year, my friend and mentor Quincy (Jones) called and invited my sweetie, Mrs. Sheila Kennedy Bryant, and I to join him, his family, and a few close friends at his home on Christmas day.  We were in Maui, Hawaii at the time, enjoying our annual Bryant family retreat there, but how could we not accept Q's gracious and loving offer, so we flew back to be with him. 

To me,Q, hs son QD3 (Quincy D. Jones, III), Jolie, Gloria, and the extended Q clan feel just like family, and it goes without saying that the time together was precious and priceless.  And without getting into private areas,or talking about who was there, and naming names, let me simply say this; legends, beyond Q, were in the room.  Many, many of them.  And after dinner, around midnight or so, a passionate conversation started up amongst the artists present (singers and musicians), centered around one question --- who was "the greatest entertainer" of them all? 

Quote of the Day

"Life will either build your character or reveal your character."

Ambassador Andrew Young Nominated for Emmy Awarda

My personal hero and mentor Ambassador Andrew Young, here with his wife Carolyn Young, at the Emmy Awards where Young's films have been nominated for two Emmy Awards, and he will also receive a special Governor's Award. Honored to be here with them tonight.

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Quote of the Day

"In the backdrop of this global economic crisis, financial literacy, and teaching people what I call 'the language of money' here and around the world, is a new civil rights issue, and the first global silver rights issue.  Other silver rights will follow. ....If you don't understand the 'language of money,' and you don't have a bank account today, you are just an economic slave."

John Hope Bryant

The White House Blog Features the HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit, and the Importance of Financial Literacy in Our Economy

THURSDAY, JULY 2ND, 2009 AT 6:01 AM

Improving Financial Literacy for Our Economic Recovery

Posted by Michael Blake

Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett was the closing speaker for Operation HOPE’s Global Financial Literacy Summit at TheARC in Anacostia on Wednesday, June 17th.

You can read the entire article on The White House Blog here.  Share it with friends. Spread the word.

Hon. Valerie Jarrett Closing Keynote at HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit

One of the most important developments in the final week leading up to the Operation HOPE inspired and sponsored, HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit which occurred on June 17th, 2009, was the confirmation of Presidential aide and friend to community and the under-served Ms. Valerie Jarrett, as our closing keynote speaker at 4:45pm. I had first come into contact with Ms. Jarrett in Jordan, where we both attended the World Economic Forum regional meeting on the Middle East, and where she was speaking before the Forum of Young Global Leaders, for which I am a proud member. It was there, in Jordan, that I learned that Ms. Jarrett was no ordinary anything; she was born in Iran (yes, Iran), and evolved as a leader and advocate in her own right in Chicago, where she was widely respected. I also learned that she was very, very sharp. President Barack Obama is well served by Ms. Jarrett, and I am honored to call her a new friend to HOPE, to financial literacy and silver rights, and to under-served communities and struggling families everywhere.

Operation HOPE Joins the Financial Services Roundtable for NASDAQ Closing Bell on behalf of Financial Literacy in NYC

Quote of the Day

"Talk without being offensive.  Listen without being defensive, and always leave even your adversary with their dignity."

Reverend Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray, and mentor to John Hope Bryant

Factoid

As many as 52 million people could lose their jobs from the economic crisis world-wide, says the International labour Organization, an agency of the United Nations.

 

A vendor selling tomatoes in the informal economy in India makes about 250 rupees a day, or about $5.00, which is not a lot but is surprisingly enough to feed and take care of a household of 9.

 

WSJ

Quote of the Day

"To rationalize, is to tell rational lies."

John Hope Bryant

HOPE Global Spokesman and Bryant Mentor Ambassador Andrew Young Honored with 3 Emmys

Factoid

The "informal" (underground) economy, analysts say, make up about 10% of the U.S. economy (which currently stands at $14 trillion), and probably growing in the midst of this growing global economic crisis.

 

In the developing world it is estimated that one-half or more of their non-agricultural workers are in the underground, infomal sector, and in India it is 83% of workers, and in sub-Saharan Africa, about 72% of all workers are.

 

According to the International Labour Organization, about 90% of all new jobs in Africa over the last 10 years have come from the informal sector.

 

WSJ

 

Michael Jackson and His Money:Some Perspective

While I do not endorse the way in which Mr. Jackson chose to spend his money (and it is none of my business, nor anyone else's as well, by the way), and I don't think his spending was actually even about the "things" he was purchasing, and while he was a multi-millionaire that spent and lived like a billionaire, and even though news reports today report that Mr. Jackson was as much as $500 million in debt -- remember this:  you cannot easily owe $500 million without significantly more in assets.  I suspect that one would love to own Mr. Jackson's debt, as they would also hold rights to his associated assets.  Hold on everyone, for the most unfortunate economic fight of our lifetime.  You heard it here.

Mr. Jackson -- may God bless your soul, and blessings to your mom, dad, children, brothers, sisters and family.

John Hope Bryant

Quote of the Day

"Effective financial literacy as to be aspirationally relevant, practical, and at scale."

John Hope Bryant, speaking at the HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit

First Global Financial Literacy Summit Hailed A Success

White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, FDIC Chair Sheila Bair, civil rights icon and HOPE Global Spokesman Ambassador Andrew Young, and Members of Congress Join Operation HOPE in Making a Business Case for Financial Literacy

WASHINGTON, DC - June 25, 2009 –A summit held by Operation HOPE (HOPE), a leading global nonprofit social investment banking and financial literacy empowerment organization, gathered together an unprecedented array of national and global leaders to discuss the importance of instilling the “language of money” in the homes of Americans and individuals around the world of all walks of life.

The summit was launched in response to the global economic crisis, the highest U.S. unemployment rate in 25 years (9.4 percent), and a loss of consumer and market confidence due to deteriorating personal finances. Highlights of the day included a signing of an historic Memorandum of Understanding with The Financial Services Roundtable, which will help promote a financial literacy standard countrywide and the launch of Tech 2000, a new entrepreneurial program featuring Apple worldwide certification for youth, and aimed at promoting education and growing business skills for youth.

Goodbye, and Goodnight Mr. Jackson

Maybe now the world will stop hounding him, without compliment. You can say a lot about him, but you cannot say it without saying this too -- he truly was the King of Pop, an icon, and as important to the evolution of music as the Beatles (and one of my three mentors, the legendary Quincy Jones, who produced Mr. Jackson's biggest career hits).

Assuming (and hoping) he made his own personal peace with our Lord, then even his sins...are and have been forgiven.

Mr. Jackson, my only prayer is that you have been "promoted." 

God bless you, and prayers for your entire family, and especially your children, during this difficult time.

John Hope Bryant

 

"Silver Rights Entrepreneur" John Hope Bryant Participates in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Forum 2009

Operation HOPE Founder’s role in Paris forum will help ensure goal of
recognizing stakeholder voices before the G-8 meetings and summits

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 24, 2009 – In the grip of one of the worst economic crises of modern times “Silver Rights Entrepreneur,” and Operation HOPE (HOPE) Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant will participate in the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Forum 2009 in Paris this week, ensuring that the voice of “local citizens globally” are heard.

Bryant’s involvement follows last week’s HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit. The first-ever global summit held in the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, DC. There, he hosted more than 800 attendees representing over 35 countries and 6 continents. Bryant’s longtime role in the global economic development community, and his ability to address the needs of the underserved through financial literacy empowerment makes him a key contributor to the OECD Forum, which is the most significant international meeting of the year for OECD.

Quote of the Day

"Financial literacy is not a math class. Money is emotional. It is aspirational, cultural, environmental, deals with self-esteem and life reality. ....We all want say love, sex and money, and yet we don't really discuss either of the three."

John Hope Bryant

Quote of the Day

"The most dangerous person in the world, is a person without hope."

John Hope Bryant

Financial Literacy Factoid

More individuals don't have a bank account today (40 million), than didn't have the right to vote in 1959, and ot having the right to vote sparked a civil rights movement in America.

John Hope Bryant

History in the Making, at the HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit, Anacostia

This is truly a historic snapshot, taken at our recent HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit in Anacostia, in SE, Washington, D.C. at THEARC.

The picture features Hilary Shelton, director of the Washngton, D.C. office of and for the NAACP, Mr. White from the United Kingdom (a simply brilliant man....), Dr. Dorothy I. Height, chairwoman-emeritus, National Council of Negro Women and advisor to every President since FDR, the Hon. Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President, The White House for President Barack Obama, and the one and only civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young.

The Hon. Valerie Jarrett Speaks at the HOPE Global Financial Literacy Summit

Financial Literacy Factoids

·         70% of all Americans (according to the Federal Reserve) live from paycheck to paycheck.                                             

·         The number one reason for divorce in America today is money.                                                                                                               

·         Half of all individuals in foreclosure in America today, irrespective of income or race, never pick up the telephone and call their lender.  Ever.

The Global Power of Financial Literacy

      The U.S. economy at $14 trillion, is the largest economy in the world, or a third of the world economy.   More so, the U.S. economy is 70% driven by the U.S. consumer, which means that in turn, the U.S. consumer represents approximately 25% of the world economy.  Translation: when we stop buying in the U.S., our friends stop building in China.