The Melanin Project's 4th Annual Wealth Literacy Conference Focuses on 'Cracking the Code'

The conference aims to provide financial resources and connections to help build generational wealth for women of the Black and African diaspora.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:20am

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The Melanin Project is hosting its 4th annual Wealth Literacy Conference on April 18th in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference's theme this year is 'Cracking the Code' and will feature a variety of speakers and breakout sessions covering personal finance, retirement planning, insurance, real estate investing, and more. Founder Afra Smith says the goal is to provide attendees with the tools, connections, and mindset to build generational wealth, regardless of their current financial situation.

Why it matters

The Wealth Literacy Conference is part of The Melanin Project's mission to 'eradicate wealth disparities for women of the Black and African diaspora.' By providing financial education, mentorship, and access to resources, the conference aims to empower attendees to take control of their financial futures and create pathways to generational wealth.

The details

The one-day conference will feature a keynote address from financial educator Jackie Cummings Koski, as well as main stage speakers like data analyst Lamont Johnson Jr., marketing executive Sparkle Mixson, and CLIMB USA founder Robert Wynn. Eleven breakout sessions will cover topics ranging from personal finance and retirement planning to real estate investing and entrepreneurship. The conference will also facilitate networking and mentorship opportunities to help attendees build their financial support systems.

  • The 4th annual Wealth Literacy Conference will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • The conference has been held annually since 2023.

The players

Afra Smith

Founder of The Melanin Project and host of the Wealth Literacy Conference.

Jackie Cummings Koski

Financial educator and consultant, serving as the keynote speaker for the conference.

Lamont Johnson Jr.

Data analyst, educator, and CLIMB USA intern, speaking on the main stage.

Sparkle Mixson

Marketing executive and global property owner, speaking on the main stage.

Robert Wynn

Founder and president of CLIMB USA, speaking on the main stage.

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What they’re saying

“One thing that we've really tried to stress in the four years we've been doing this is that this event is about self-agency and personal empowerment ... the things that we can do as individuals.”

— Afra Smith, Founder, The Melanin Project

“The thing about 'Cracking the Code' that I want everybody to understand is that these speakers and presenters at the conference weren't born with money and success. So how did they get it?”

— Afra Smith, Founder, The Melanin Project

What’s next

The 4th annual Wealth Literacy Conference will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at TruStage Lighthouse in Madison, Wisconsin. Tickets are available for purchase on The Melanin Project's website.

The takeaway

The Wealth Literacy Conference is a valuable resource for women of the Black and African diaspora looking to build generational wealth. By providing financial education, mentorship, and access to resources, the conference empowers attendees to take control of their financial futures and create pathways to long-term financial security.