CHICAGO–To honor the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream Speech," Great Lakes Credit Union said it is partnering with the Leaders Network on an event to be held at the future site of the credit union.
“The event will commemorate the historic March on Washington's mission to advocate for civil and economic rights of African-Americans and will celebrate the economic freedom that the new credit union will bring to the Austin community and the Westside of Chicago,” Great Lakes CU said. “The event will raise awareness of this momentous partnership of two mission-aligned organizations, a first in the State of Illinois.”
The event will be held at the site of the future branch of Leaders Network Financial at 5600 W. Madison in the Central/Madison Plaza, which is to open in late February. The celebration will be held on August 28th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 p.m.
The Model
“In 2005 several faith communities organized and modeled our social justice work after Dr. King’s SCLC to advocate for the marginalized on Chicago’s Westside and beyond,” said Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Church & Leader’s Network co-chair. “This giant step toward financial empowerment of families is launched today in honor of Dr. King who himself resided on the Westside in 1966. In 2023, the dream still lives.”
According to the $1.3-billion Great Lakes CU, as part of the event, Leaders Network Financial will announce that members of The Leaders Network will have online access to the products and services of the credit union immediately.
During the gathering, Great Lakes Credit Union said it will also donate $2,500 to The Leaders Network, matched by an additional $2,500 from the Illinois Credit Union League, “underscoring their shared commitment to uplift the community and promote financial inclusivity.”
In total, GLCU said it has committed nearly $600,000 to bring a branch to the Austin neighborhood.
‘A Neighborhood Staple’
"We are thrilled to introduce Leaders Network Financial to the Austin community," said Michelle Collins, a strategic advisor for The Leaders Network and former community development banker with Austin and Oak Park roots. "Our credit union is dedicated to becoming a neighborhood staple, offering safe, secure, and approachable banking services to empower the residents. This event is a celebration of economic freedom and progress, echoing the ideals championed by Martin Luther King Jr. during his unforgettable speech."
Great Lakes CU noted the west side of Chicago has long been identified as a financial desert, lacking locally accessible quality and affordable financial services.
‘Significant Milestone’
“The establishment of Leaders Network Financial, in partnership with Great Lakes Credit Union, marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first credit union located in the heart of The Austin Community,” the credit union said. “This branch will play a crucial role in providing sorely needed financial education, offering deposit and loan products designed for residents and small businesses owners of the community.”
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