By Alex Pearlstein, Director of Projects.    In an interesting confluence of events, the 2010 World Cup began the same day the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the United States will soon be a “minority majority” country, with non-whites comprising over 50 percent of our population. Many of these minorities are represented by ethnic groups originating from all countries of the globe. It’s trite to say that the U.S. is a “nation of immigrants,” but it’s true nonetheless. My family emigrated...

By Ellen Anderson, Research Manager. It is estimated that nearly nine million households in the United States do not maintain bank accounts. That is a staggering number of people who do not participate in the mainstream financial system. They cannot write a check, they pay excessive fees to check-to-cash shops, and they are likely not building credit that is essential for longer-term economic mobility. According to a study from the Pew Charitable Trust, approximately 89 percent of these...

By William Teasley, Project Manager.    Immigration has had a dramatic and overall positive impact on our nation. America was, and remains, the symbol of opportunity and freedom to people across the globe. As a nation whose vast majority of citizens are descendants of immigrants, America is the melting pot where natives, immigrants, and illegal aliens will continue to have a dynamic impact on our communities. All communities in America are multi-cultural communities, whether the...

By William Teasley, Project Manager.  A significant challenge facing numerous communities in the South is redefining themselves in the 21st Century.  Southern communities are a lot different than they were 30 years ago, and incredible strides have been made.  However, many are facing new challenges and are hesitant to embrace what our nation's communities are becoming in the 21st century.  Many communities in the South have historically resisted change, fighting to maintain the status quo...