On February 18, 2026, Brad D. Smith sat down for a fireside chat with John Hope Bryant at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center to celebrate Black History Month. The event was made possible by support from Operation HOPE, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, Drinko Academy and Marshall University.
John Hope Bryant is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit that brings financial literacy, financial inclusion and economic empowerment programs to communities that have been historically underserved.
A Discussion About Economic Inclusion and the Impact of AI
Smith and Bryant began the chat by honoring Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who pioneered the celebration of “Negro History Week,” which eventually became Black History Month.
Smith then asked Bryant about his upbringing in Los Angeles and how that shaped his future. Bryant shared some personal anecdotes about how he learned about entrepreneurship as a teen. Later in his life, he moved to Atlanta, where he found success as an entrepreneur. The conversation then shifted to a discussion about economic inclusion in the AI era.
During the chat, Smith shared which skills everyone should have to succeed over the next few years: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, digital fluency and financial literacy. He also shared the economic impact Operation HOPE has had in Huntington, West Virginia.
They also discussed Operation HOPE’s “The 1865 Project,” of which Wing 2 Wing Foundation is a Founding Circle member. This initiative helps grow and scale Operation HOPE’s work across the U.S. This partnership brought a dedicated financial wellness coach to support community members who want to improve their financial health and pursue entrepreneurship.
The event ended with audience questions, which led to a discussion about how West Virginia is addressing issues related to broadband access and the state’s AI workforce.
Follow Brad D. Smith and John Hope Bryant on LinkedIn and watch clips from their fireside chat on YouTube.