Watch 'The Barber of Little Rock': A Call for Economic Warriors in the Fight Against the Racial Wealth Gap

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“We need economic warriors,” declares Arlo Washington in “The Barber of Little Rock,” capturing the essence of his mission within the heart of Arkansas. This poignant 30-minute documentary, crafted by John Hoffman and Christine Turner, follows Washington’s journey as a beacon of hope and transformative change in the Black community.

By tackling the racial wealth gap head-on, Washington showcases his unwavering commitment to empowering those traditionally overlooked by mainstream financial institutions through the Washington Barber College and People Trust nonprofit fund. His work underscores the critical role of community-driven financial initiatives in effecting meaningful change.

Parallel to Washington’s fight in Arkansas, West Virginia emerges as a battleground for financial inclusion, with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) playing pivotal roles. At the forefront is Element Federal Credit Union, led by CEO Linda Bodie and Jennifer Pharr, the Community and Business Development Director. Their innovative efforts and pursuit of MDI status aim to better serve marginalized communities, particularly BIPOC individuals who face significant barriers to accessing traditional banking services.

READ: https://blackbygod.org/articles/black-business-and-financial-literacy/expanding-financial-inclusion-in-west-virginia-the-role-of-cdfis-and-mdis/

Element’s recent unveiling of “Element Edge” in Charleston’s West Side (1611 4th Ave, Charleston, WV 25387) marks a significant milestone in promoting financial literacy. This empowerment hub, dedicated to education, diversification, and community empowerment through workshops and tailored services, signifies Element’s commitment to providing opportunities and hope to underserved areas.

From left: Crystal Good, BBG Founder/Publisher, Mavery Davis, as the Director of Lending for NEW WV, champions cooperative business ventures through Seed Commons, which aims to combat inequality by promoting democratic ownership and sustainable community growth. Contact: https://newwv.coop/, and Dr. Shanequa Smith, Restorative Practitioner, Director of Black Voters Impact (WV).

Element Federal Credit Union and CDFIs alike are indispensable to Black businesses, offering financial products and services tailored for low-income communities and small businesses often neglected by conventional banks. With nearly 19% of Black residents in West Virginia unbanked, the initiatives of Element, combined with the inspiring story of Arlo Washington, converge on a shared vision: to dismantle financial barriers and forge paths toward economic justice and prosperity for the Black community.

BBG encourages you to watch “The Barber of Little Rock” for it is more than a documentary; it’s a call to arms for “economic warriors” across the nation to support transformative efforts like those of Washington in Arkansas and the leaders of CDFIs in West Virginia.