Brad D. Smith Moderates a Fireside Chat with Operation HOPE’s John Hope Bryant

Staff  •  April 2, 2026

In February 2026, Marshall University celebrated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. This annual observance began as a weeklong celebration in 1926, launched by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. The month of February was chosen to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom were born in February.

In honor of the centennial milestone, Marshall University hosted several events, including a fireside chat with John Hope Bryant, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, moderated by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. The event was made possible by the support of Operation HOPE, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, Drinko Academy and Marshall University.

The chat focused on the legacy Woodson created 100 years ago and how today’s business leaders can be intentional about creating inclusive economic systems. Bryant shared his early struggles with financial literacy and how his entrepreneurial spirit helped him educate himself about finances. Another topic of discussion was that Smith and Hope Bryant also talked about the importance of younger generations developing AI and critical thinking skills.

How Operation HOPE Promotes Economic Empowerment

Operation HOPE is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy, financial inclusion and economic empowerment programs. The organization helps people of all ages with financial education programs, one-on-one coaching, courses on credit score improvement and pathways to homeownership and entrepreneurship.

Operation HOPE has directed more than $4.2 billion in capital into marginalized communities and established hundreds of financial empowerment centers nationwide.

The organization has launched several long-term initiatives focused on areas such as:

• Financial Literacy
• Promoting Black Business Ownership
• AI Ethics
• Corporate Inclusion
• Child Savings
• Investing

All of these initiatives help address systemic issues that affect individuals from underserved communities. By taking an innovative and collaborative approach, Operation HOPE is helping improve the financial lives of millions of people nationwide.

How John Hope Bryant Supports Historically Underserved Individuals

In addition to his work with Operation HOPE, John Hope Bryant is also an entrepreneur and thought leader. In 2024, he was named to the Forbes BLK50 List and TIME Magazine’s inaugural The Closers List, which recognized 18 global leaders working to close the racial wealth gap.

Bryant’s work with Operation HOPE also focuses on ensuring that everyone has access to artificial intelligence, as this technology is a driver of the global economy. To help bridge the AI opportunity gap, Operation HOPE and Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business launched the AI Literacy Pipeline to Prosperity Project (AILP).

AILP leverages Operation HOPE’s resources to offer programming that supports Georgia’s youth through AI-focused scholarships, apprenticeships, and family support for workers displaced by automation.

Bryant’s work also includes sharing thought leadership, including The Business Plan for America, a blueprint for inclusive economic growth. All of this feeds into Bryant’s life mission: to help America live up to its promise, one financially and technologically empowered person at a time.

Keep up with Brad and his work as Marshall University’s President by following him on X and Instagram or checking out his YouTube.