Keeping hope alive in Los Angeles: John Bryant's Operation Hope is spurring investments in South Central

It all started with the bus tour that businessman John Bryant pulled together in the aftermath of Los Angeles' civil unrest in 1992. Driven by a desire to do something immediate that would have a long-term impact on troubled South Central L.A., Bryant rounded up a host of bankers and businesspeople. He took them through sections of the city that many of them had privately considered an economic wasteland, particularly in the wake of riots that had burned new holes in the already blighted landscape.

The group was convinced to take a second look after seeing for themselves the very real possibilities for Investment and development. That is all Bryant, the 29-year-old "broker for South Central," is asking for. "I'm a voice for economic empowerment," says Bryant, whose breezy manner and perpetual optimism mask a firm seriousness about his work. "Nothing out there is making sure that rubber hits the road. I want to be a model of what works."

Bryant's myriad efforts to stimulate inner-city growth operate under a nonprofit umbrella called Operation Hope. The organization is essentially a consortium of bankers, lenders and a growing list of businesspeople who agreed to invest funds and services in South Central with Bryant as their liaison. The group, which has a 1995 budget of approximately $600,000, has funneled more than $4 million into South Central since its inception.

Since being launched three years ago, Operation Hope has spawned several projects meant to give residents more of a stake in their communities. The Vision Center and the Mobile Technical Assistance Program are two such projects.

The staff of the Vision Center works closely with first-time home buyers to ensure that they qualify for home loans. Applicants who would almost certainly be rejected at most banks are counseled and case-managed by representatives from several local lending institutions.

First Fidelity Bank, which is based in Glendale, Calif., is one of several banks that have agreed to provide workers for Operation Hope's loan center. "This is a great idea," Walter Morris, the bank's executive vice president, stated in a published report. "From our standpoint, it's part of an overall effort to try different ways to go after good business."

South Central small business clients needing guidance from accountants, lawyers and other professionals can turn to the Mobile Technical Assistance Program. All services are free of charge.

And there is plenty more in the works. Bryant, who runs both Operation Hope and his own consulting and management firm out of a downtown L.A. high-rise, is singularly determined to level the economic playing field. "It seems, if you live in the 'hood, the only agency that will help you is the government," Bryant says. "[But] if you live in West L.A., you deal with the best. We're trying to bridge that gap."

COPYRIGHT 1995 Earl G. Graves Publishing Co., Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning