NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — If you would like to learn more about how to manage your money, there is a chance to learn at a famous New Orleans bookstore.
“To use the power of books and reading, to eradicate mass incarceration, mitigate levels of impoverishment within our communities, and help uplift and eradicate inequities that exist within our systems and institutions,” said owner of Baldwin & Co. DJ Johnson.
Heady goals for sure, but right on brand for Johnson, who owns the bookstore located on the borderline of the Seventh Ward and the Marigny. He formed The Baldwin & Co. Foundation to address those critical needs, but he’s decided to dig a bit deeper.
“There’s something else that plagues our community — finances! And it’s that taboo subject that no one wants to talk about, but everyone stresses about. People stress more about their finances than any other aspect of life,” said Johnson.
To attack the issue, Johnson has partnered with the community-driven Credit Human Credit Union, first as tenants in the old Gene’s Po-Boy building, that he owns also aligning a financial institution with like-minded goals of community growth.
“So, you’ll notice if you’ve seen the building that we don’t have traditional tellers. We are just set up as a resource center to talk to members as they come in. We don’t push any products. We encourage… you don’t even have to be a member, “said Credit Human Jennifer Jaskierny.
The team will talk about budgets, savings, credit and more.
“Yes, we are a credit union, but our main goal is financial literacy, said Quiana Ridgley Credit Human.
On Saturday, April 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the kickoff to the effort to strengthen the community, financially with their free “Money Smart Block Party.”
For Johnson, its the start of his dream.
“It’s just the beginning. This is really, this is just an announcement. We’re just announcing, ‘Hey, well, we’re here!'” said Johnson.
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