The Black Panther movie franchise is still racking up record-setting box office revenues, but credit unions have a lot to learn from the leader ofWakanda.
I loved Black Panther, and not just because it’s fun. Wakanda is a whole society of people combining resources to create a wonder world where the benefits are shared by the members.
The highlight of the movie, like many action flicks, features a winner-takes-all battle where good beats evil (and some out-of-this-world rhinoceroses help out). Cooperation is the final tip of the scale that brings victory to King T’Challa, when M’Baku and theJabari tribe realize the need to work togetherand form an alliance.
Credit unions have always worked together to seek benefits for their members. The formation of CUNA Mutual Group and the Credit Union National Association, NAFCU and the Credit Union Association of New Mexico were designed to pool cooperative resources. We may not be rhinos, but we do battle legislation, regulations and work to create a better environment for our members.
Working together is why we are defined as not-for-profit financial cooperatives. We cooperate with each other and look for ways to share our experience and our strength.
If King T’Challa’s speech to the United Nations isn’t a rallying cry for credit unions, I don’t know what is:
“Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than divides us. But in times of crisis, the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.”
If you haven’t seen Black Panther, take a look. You will find a good reinforcement of why credit unions are successful. Our secret, like King T’Challa’s is we are all stronger together.
