"Financial Freedom Seminar: Achieving Economic Independence Through Education" Jan. 20 at the School of Social Work

Jan. 9, 2007 -- In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Society of Black Student Social Workers (SBSSW) at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work will host "Financial Freedom Seminar: Achieving Economic Independence Through Education," Jan. 20 from 8:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. in Brown Hall.

This free event is designed for members of the St. Louis community interested in building wealth, maintaining good credit, purchasing a home or starting a business. The deadline to register for this event is Jan. 15.

"SBSSW's goal is to present the King Holiday, not as a tradition or a history lesson, but as a call to action- to fight for economic and social justice," says Charletra Hurt, SBSSW co-chair and first-year student at the School of Social Work.

"Financial management resources are often not easily accessible through local institutions for African Americans. In addition, these resources are usually presented with language or examples that do not capture the attention or address issues relevant to African Americans. More information is needed to help African Americans to wisely manage their resources and use their economic base to break cycles of poverty and build assets."

Seminar participants will be able to attend two of the following workshops:

• Everything you need to know about your credit - Learn how to repair and improve your credit and discover the impact that good credit can make on purchases, employment opportunities, and even bank accounts.

• Qualifying to buy a home - Discover the obstacles to this process and what you can do to overcome them.

• Becoming debt-free - Obtain knowledge on financial tools and disciplines that could help you become debt-free.

• Don't borrow trouble - Become aware of the predatory lending tactics used by unscrupulous lenders.

• Wealth accumulation: With or without business- Obtain information on how to build sustainable wealth by making informed financial decisions. Learn tips on how to start a successful small business.

• Financial planning - Explore investment options. Make your money work for you by getting tips on how to plan for a secure financial future.

• Life after prison, who cares? - Explore methods to help you or your loved one transition back into the community. Reentry, child support, and employment issues and solutions will be discussed.

The seminar will begin with a keynote address by John Bryant, founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Operation Hope, a non-profit and a leading national provider of economic empowerment tools and services for the underserved.

In addition to the SBSSW, the School of Social Work, the Center for Social Development, Gateway Bank of St. Louis, the St. Louis Clergy Coalition and Southwest Bank are sponsoring this event.

For more information and to register, call (314) 935-9116 or e-mail specialevents@gwbmail.wustl.edu.

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The School of Social Work is on the corner of Forsyth and Chaplin Drive. Parking is free in all yellow zones.