Building Wealth in Underserved Communities: Free Event Features Oscar Nominee and Financial Literacy Expert

MILWAUKEE, WI, Oct. 3, 2024 —Join UW-Milwaukee on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for a powerful discussion on building wealth in underserved communities. This free event, sponsored by the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership, highlights the vital role Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play in shaping our economy and communities. Oscar nominee and financial literacy expert Arlo Washington will lead this important discussion at Turner Hall in downtown Milwaukee.

Known for his work in financial literacy and economic empowerment, Washington’s story was featured in the 2024 Oscar-nominated documentary, “The Barber of Little Rock.” This event provides an opportunity for Washington to share his impact on the community and spotlight the work of Milwaukee’s local CDFI network.

According to the FDIC, about 5.9 million U.S. households didn’t hold a checking or savings account at a financial institution in 2021, and 70% of minority communities lack complete access to a bank branch of any kind. Because of this, many individuals struggle to acquire the capital needed to purchase houses, start small businesses or take other actions to build wealth and financial security. The CDFI Program addresses this by channeling federal and private funds into CDFIs that support low-income and underserved communities, sparking economic growth in these areas.

Join us for this free event to learn more about CDFIs and how we can work together to improve our economy and our communities. Registration is available at https://uwm.edu/sce/building-wealth-building-communities-the-vital-role-of-cdfis/.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.