The film is the story of Arlo Washington’s personal commitment to bring financial services and hope to the black community of Little Rock, Arkansas. The film produced by the New Yorker magazine is 35 minutes and can be watched online any time.

Story upon story

Arlo is a barber who converts his basic role in the black community to one of broader service. This story is told in this Next City article “The Black Barber Opened the First Credit Union In Arkansas Since 1996.”

The film is Arlo’s first-person account filled with dozens of examples of hardship, hope, and grant-making through the CDFI he organized to make loans.

There are numerous examples of what it means “to be banking while black” and why there is little trust in the existing banking system. The film provides a brief history of black efforts for economic equality from the post-civil war promise of “forty acres and a mule” to modern-day redlining in Little Rock city divided by inequality and a highway.

The film even shows learning empathy in the “two-minute drill”  where two former incarcerated men learn to “see” each other’s hurts.

A potential for every credit union: economic justice rights wrongs

The film is a study of self-help. It shows the need and power of putting money back into the community. “A tree is known by the fruit it bears,” says Arlo. “If you have all the money and wealth you want, and don’t make an impact, what do you have?”

The film’s many residents assert multiple times that economic opportunity brings freedom. One says that if this (model) catches on, it will become a threat because people can see what they can do to be free.  There will be no more excuses for economic injustice.

People Trust Community FCU

The film’s story of Arlo’s efforts ends before the credit union he chartered is up and running. There is a picture of the building and sign, but no recognition. In December 2023, the credit union reported total assets of $4.4 million, loans of $326,410, and 445 members. It has a capital of 11% or $482,000.

The film was released just two months ago and has been viewed 352,000 times with 433 comments posted afterward.

The impact of this enterprising person’s example extends far beyond the borders of Little Rock. It is a wake-up reminder for every existing credit union of the potential to change people’s lives and the trajectory of their community. Viewing this current effort should be a catalyst for conversations in every credit union trying to make a difference in their members’ lives.