Guide Note:

John Hope Bryant is an American author, philanthropist, business man, activist and financial literacy educator. He is the founder of Operation Hope. Bryant has been commended by four U.S. Presidents for his work with low income communities across the country. He is the author of several books on financial literacy. Bryant also helped to co-found Global Dignity, an organization promoting hope, self-esteem and "a hand up, not a hand out". He has received over 400 citations and awards for his life's work and was selected in 1994 as one of Time Magazine's 50 Most Promising Leaders of the Future.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: February 6, 1966
2. Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
3. Honorary Doctorate from Paul Quinn College
4. Founder of Operation Hope
5. Co-Founder of Global Dignity
6. Awarded the Use Your Life Award by Oprah Winfrey
7. Named a Community Hero by People Magazine

John Hope Bryant was born on February 6, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1984.

In 1992 he founded Operation HOPE, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the service of low-income individuals. In January of 2008, President George W. Bush appointed Bryant vice-chairman of the President's Council on Financial Literacy.