Lynette Smith said she remembers being 7 years old and watchingthe historic March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963, ontelevision.

Smith, the new chairperson of the African-American Credit Union Coalition, recalled seeing peoplefrom diverse backgrounds converge on the nation's capital to hearthe many messages advocating for the pursuit of civil and economicrights. More than 250,000 attended the event.

Fast forward to 2013, like thousands of others, Smith and herhusband, Aaron, gathered around the Lincoln Memorial last Saturdayto memorialize the 50th anniversary of the march and reflect on theurgency in the iconic speech, “I Have a Dream,” delivered by Rev.Martin Luther King Jr.

Among those who spoke on Aug. 24 was Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.),who is considered to be the only surviving speaker from the 1963march.

“It was, in my opinion, very moving. There were people from allwalks of life. It was a very peaceful event,” said Smith,president/CEO of the $89 million Washington Gas Light FederalCredit Union in Springfield, Va.

King's message of collaboration and inclusion resonates with howcredit unions play a pivotal part in helping to meet the financialneeds of all Americans.

“We have come so far and yet, we have so much to do,”said Smith, a native Washingtonian. “It is our goal that the AACUCplay a major role in helping America continues to reach itsfinancial dreams. This will take the collaboration of all creditunions and the trade associations.”

Indeed, the AACUC continues to seek a seat at the table with theNCUA in ensuring that more minorities and women are represented inmanagement and senior positions at credit unions.

(Click image for enlarged photo of Stone ofHope.)

Earlier this year, the AACUC released six recommendations forthe NCUA to consider for its Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, which was mandated bythe Dodd-Frank Act.

Among them was a suggestion to break down analysis of minorityand women-owned business contractors and suppliers by separatingminority-owned from women-owned.

The AACUC is hoping that the group and other stakeholders willget the opportunity to meet with the NCUA to share theirperspectives

Hubert Hoosman, a former AACUC's former board member,spearheaded a campaign to encourage credit unions to contribute tothe building of the King Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. Collectively,credit unions, leagues, CUSOs and others in the industry raised$1.4 million towards the monument, which was unveiled in October2011.

“I think as a movement, credit unions have served people ofcolor very well compared to other financial institutions,” Hoosmansaid Wednesday. “My concern is the lack of diversity inleadership.”

Hoosman called on the industry's national trade associations tomake a “public commitment” to help promote more diversity. He saidhe's not just referring to African-Americans, but allminorities.

The former president/CEO of the $718 billion Vantage CreditUnion in Bridgeton, Mo., said in his home state of Missouri, hecounts two people of color that head credit unions. The Sunbeltstates have made more progress when it comes to minorities beingpresident/CEOs, he noted.

“When you look at the leadership within the movement, I think wecan do a better job of promoting diversity,” said Hoosman, whoretired from Vantage in April.

Earlier Wednesday, a march and rally kicked off the 50thanniversary of the March on Washington event. More than 100,000people are expected to attend the day-long event, according to someestimates.

President Barack Obama was to speak at 3 p.m. on the same spotwhere King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the LincolnMemorial.