This article was written by Kathleen Hustad, North Minneapolis Rotary
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Debra Hurston, Executive Director of the Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP), knows all too well how financial institutions can make people feel supported or let down.
“Sharing your financial information can feel very vulnerable and there has to be an atmosphere of trust,” says Hurston. “Even if the response to what you need is a no, there are ways to say you’re not ready for this yet…but we can help you get there.”
It’s this sense of possibility and building a solid pathway forward in creating financial opportunities, that has led Hurston to assist ABEP in establishing Minnesota’s first Black-led community credit union.
“We’re all about effecting positive change, empowering growth and driving economic stability for everyone,” says Hurston. “But to make it a reality, we need the support, input and involvement of our community to bring the Village Financial Credit Union to life.”
Hurston shared her journey of leading efforts and breaking down barriers to ensure North Minneapolis has access to a community-led credit union as the featured community speaker at the May 17 weekly meeting of the North Minneapolis Rotary Club.