Project 5117

An Economy for All

Twice in the past 150 years the idea of teaching the poor and disenfranchised how free enterprise works has been raised and faltered. The mission of Project 5117 is to finally deliver that memo.

After The Freedman’s Bank closed its doors, the idea of teaching African-Americans and other disadvantaged populations “the language of money” – how free enterprise and capitalism work – was not raised again until 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. launched his “Poor People’s Campaign. On April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated, just weeks before the first Poor People’s Campaign March on Washington, D.C.

The bold idea of teaching “the language of money” to the underserved was not addressed again until the publication of How the Poor Can Save Capitalism: Rebuilding the Path to the Middle Class. The Solution for the 100%, on June 2, 2014. The book is now a Top 10 Book for 2014 for Essence Magazine and a Top Business Book of 2014 for CEO Read and Business Strategy.

Who We Are

Recognizing the history of the past 150 years, the book makes the case that the poor, disenfranchised and teetering middle class are not lazy or looking for handouts – instead they never “received the memo” on how free enterprise and capitalism work. Utilizing the occasion of the anniversary of the Freedman’s Bank charter, we will seek to “Deliver the Memo” and complete the work started 150 years ago Project 5117 is a collaborative effort organized and led by Operation HOPE.