College speaking engagement gets pretty heated
This morning, I had the wonderful opportunity of speaking to a group of college students, young adults, financial advisers, and business owners about credit and the current credit crisis. There were students from Agnes Scott College, Spelman College, Georgia State University, Clark Atlanta University, and other institutions. The event was hosted at Spelman College by the Economic Empowerment Initiative, a nonprofit that strives to educate high school and college students about finances, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation. The much-needed organization, which provides education on everything from insurance to credit to intellectual property, was founded by C.E.O. Samuel T. Jackson.
The audience really enjoyed my interactive presentation, which lasted almost two hours. It normally isn’t that long, but they couldn’t get enough of the new credit rules and fresh information I shared. I ended up staying well beyond the allotted time, but the audience, especially the students, didn’t mind staying longer to discuss credit, the current credit crisis, and fiscal policy. When I was finished, I received a thunderous and exuberant applause. Moreover, I received a few invitations to speak elsewhere.
The discussion after my presentation got pretty heated with students arguing on just how much the government should regulate the financial industry. On one side of the argument was a student who supports minimal regulation. His testimony involved a story about his success in selling options on the stock market. He commented that without the ability to assume large risks and leverage, he wouldn’t have been able to purchase his nice car. On the other side was an economics major who felt that there should be more regulation to eliminate booms and busts. She stated that increased regulation will prevent economic crisis more effectively.
In short, I really enjoyed my time this morning, especially knowing that the college students are on the right path to ensuring their financial welfare. Out of all of my speaking engagements, I most enjoy speaking to college students because they have a sincere curiosity and tremendous interest about finances and will know before it’s too late the importance of a high financial IQ.
Greetings! I’m Kevin D. Johnson, a business owner who has recently assumed the role of consumer advocate and internet activist. Atlanta, Georgia is my home.
Upon returning from my wonderful honeymoon in Jamaica in October 2008, I received what I thought was an ordinary American Express bill, but to my surprise it was a disappointing letter informing me that my credit line was reduced by about 65% for a highly suspicious and discriminatory reason. Considering my excellent credit score and pristine payment history, it just didn’t make sense. However, what does make sense are the unfair and insidious policies that I have uncovered when asking why. It is time to change them.
I created this web site to document and share my challenging journey to change what is wrong, unfair, and unjust in the credit card industry. The ultimate goal of this web site is to inform consumers of ways to stand up for themselves against treacherous business practices and to educate consumers about how to improve their credit. Finally, I hope to encourage a more open dialogue with credit card companies about their policies–good and bad.
I am proud to say that this blog's unyielding demand for change led to an important 
You were great man. I look forward to having you speak at one of our EEI sessions on campus. Thanks for the info!!!
Posted by: Terrance Rogers | April 05, 2009 at 09:09 AM