Credit Union Times - Centennial Edition - (Page I29) CeLeBrAtiNg 100 YeArS , SPeCiAL CeNteNNiAL editioN (Continued from previous page) “Once you get them to understand it from that level, they see the importance.” With retirement on the horizon in 2009, Shutes said what has helped her career is “having a lot of people in my corner.” Her boss, Guy Hood, president/CEO of the Florida league, admires her no-nonsense modus operandi so much that he’s tried to talk her out of retiring a few times. “Her straight-to-the-point approach with the legislators and our credit unions has raised awareness on both sides about the importance of developing and maintaining relationships with each other,” Hood said. For John Earnest Johnson, creating trusted bonds became part of his mission to form credit unions at the height of the civil rights struggle as he reached out to low-income, rural African-Americans over a 30-year period. These credit unions would go on to serve as the jumping off point for memthe long-term returns that may come in courting African-Americans. The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, a network that includes credit unions, said it has helped African Americans save $87.5 million worth of land, mobilized $509 million in resources for support of member credit unions and co-ops, and helped more than 700 families with $26 million in affordable housing. Meanwhile, Helen Godfrey-Smith, president/CEO of $63 million Shreveport Federal Credit Union in Louisiana, said she counts Johnson among the industry’s heroes. And so inspiring was Johnson’s story that he was profiled in a 2005 Alabama public television documentary “Where Credit is Due.” In recognizing Johnson during his 1999 induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame, the National Cooperative Business Association said, “Through his volunteer service on national, regional and local boards, he further demonstrates his commitment to cooperation and community building throughout the United States. And internationally Johnson has carried forward this commitment to cooperation to South Africa, where he was instrumental in developing credit unions for that country’s citizens.” —msamaad@cutimes.com John Earnest Johnson’s pioneering work stretched from Alabama to South Africa. bers to start their own businesses and pay for college. More than $50 million in loans were given through Johnson’s efforts and the credit unions were able to build a collective $14 million in assets. Up in age now, Johnson lives in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Blazing new trails is a common bond shared by Johnson and Shutes, as they both worked to turn the corner in the credit union movement. Indeed, African-Americans now account for more than 50% of membership, according to 2006 demographic data from CUNA. Many also serve as CEOs and chairpersons of credit unions. Pioneers such as WOCCU President Pete Crear and others have helped to open up opportunities for the industry to expand its outreach. As with other ethnic groups, credit unions have recognized www.cutimes.com Credit Union Times, December 2008 29 http://www.cutimes.com
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