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Building generational wealth is a goal many Black families aspire to achieve. However, the
process is often more difficult than it appears due to systemic barriers that impact how Black families build and transfer wealth across generations.

Melanin Money, one of the nation’s leading financial education platforms for professionals and entrepreneurs of color, hosted its annual Wealth Weekend on July 18 and 19 in Atlanta.
“Building financial wealth is a team sport,” said George Acheampong Jr., founder and CEO of
Melanin Money. That message echoed throughout Friday’s programming, which featured
fireside chats and panels focused on practical steps to achieving financial freedom.

The day mirrored a traditional 9-to-5 schedule, packed with financial insight, strategy, and
real-world tools for wealth building. The room was filled with successful Black entrepreneurs,
investors, and professionals across various industries, all eager to learn more about creating
sustainable wealth. From the host to the speakers, the programming was thoughtfully curated, leaving the audience with valuable takeaways after every session.

Morgan DeBaun, founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., took the stage to share her investing journey.
She reflected on how her grandmother introduced her to the concept of “mailbox money” and would send her $100 checks, which she learned to split between saving and spending. DeBaun began learning about investing at 13.

As the day progressed, it became more than just panels and conversations. Attendees engaged in meaningful networking, reinforcing the idea that your network is your net worth. That sense of connection and shared purpose was evident throughout the room.

“Generational knowledge is just as important as the wealth aspect,” said Kelly Jefferson,
business strategist and coach, during the Worthy of Wealth panel discussion with Larry Jones, Armando Pantoja, and Terrica Lynn Smith. The conversation offered new perspectives on investing, from managing emotions to building discipline. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of how to protect and preserve generational wealth through planning and process.

Later in the day, the audience was treated to a powerful fireside chat with Pinky Cole Hayes,
Restaurateur, Entrepreneur, CEO, and Philanthropist. The conversation was honest, raw, and
deeply motivational. Hayes spoke about losing her business for some time and the journey
to reclaim it. She also shared how she came to understand her assignment from God by listening and waiting for the call.

“Who I am today is a result of the assignment. Everyone has an assignment and the ability to
unlock that assignment,” said Hayes. “Mine was to use Slutty Vegan as a vessel to help people
reimagine food.”

Another standout moment came from Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon, who spoke about building the capacity for millions. What began as a bankruptcy journey led her to financial abundance.
She leaned into biblical principles and used a vivid demonstration to show how people often
misinterpret the purpose of money.

For anyone unsure if Wealth Weekend was for them, it proved to be an inclusive space for
anyone looking to improve their financial future. It was not just for seasoned investors. The
pursuit of financial freedom, better money management, and long-term wealth is a universal
goal. Wealth Weekend offered the blueprint to begin that journey. By the end of day one, the
room was filled with energy, inspiration, and a renewed belief that building billions is possible.

Photo Courtesy: @Brandn_ramsey