John Hope Bryant is an American entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. He was born on February 6, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, United States. Bryant is the founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, a nonprofit organization that provides financial literacy and empowerment programs to underserved communities. Through Operation HOPE, Bryant has worked to create economic opportunity and reduce poverty, particularly in low-income and minority communities. In addition to his work with Operation HOPE, Bryant is also a prolific author, having written several books on personal finance and economic empowerment. He is a regular commentator on economic issues and has appeared on a number of television and radio programs, including CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. Bryant's work has been widely recognized and honored, including by the World Economic Forum, which named him a Young Global Leader in 2007. He has also received numerous awards for his philanthropic and business efforts, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Salute to Greatness Award and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Entrepreneurial Success Award.