Abstract:
Durham’s Martin Eakes has been labeled a “disruptive” leader for his business practices. His Self-Help Federal Credit Union’s frequently lends to individuals and companies labeled risky by traditional banks. Self-Help has built a national reputation for working with low- and moderate-income borrows, investing in communities, and leading research and lobbying efforts to fight predatory lending. Eakes’ history, philosophy, and banking practices designed to help ignored communities are profiled.