Recently a popular finance and entrepreneurship coaching personality has come under fire for statements regarding his approach to reaching his largely young, African American audience. Many from the Black community have raised concerns that his beliefs about his target audience and his actions demonstrate a lack of care, and have deemed them to be reductionist and a form of pandering at best.
Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of the popular radio show “The Breakfast Club” and HOPE Global Forums speaker, weighed in on the topic and cautioned listeners to check the source of their financial information and their character before becoming a follower. I’m proud that he and Forbes author, Jennifer Magley, listed me and Operation HOPE as credible, trustworthy sources for financial literacy, dignity, and empowerment.
This work requires approachability and authenticity. In this digital age, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to hide who you are and your beliefs. Who you are will show and the world will see it. This movement is built on meeting people where they are so we can get them where they want to go. And we’ll continue to do so.
Check out the Forbes article here and Charlamagne’s comments here.