I am very excited about my newest Susu. This week at the office we are starting a small susu. Each of us will pony up $50 a week for 8 weeks. Then each of us will get to take the weekly pot home once. I did this with a group of my cousins after reading an article about susus. It is a wonderful way to help each member get a large enough amount to pay off a bill or get a deposit for a new apartment. It's an African tradition that has slowly worked it's way from the Caribbean to the east coast of America. Now even some church groups are doing susus. In these trying economic times, it is a great way to help one an other. There is no bank involved so no fees to worry about. It fits in with Christianity, Judaism, and Islam because there is no interest charged (no usury). I strongly advise my friends and family to consider forming a susu with trusted friends before going to a bank for a loan. Remember, the shirt is closer than the vest. In difficult times it is better to build up families and friendships than to empower the very institutions that helped create the troubles.
