PRESENT…
FinLit
Fest 2024
A first of it’s kind annual financial literacy music and business festival for middle and high school students.
Date
27th April, 2024
Venue
Clark Atlanta University
Bishop C.L. Henderson building 223 James P Brawley Dr SW Atlanta, GATime
8am - 5pm
The Why
- 58% of low-income families have less than $1,000 in savings
- Lack of financial literacy contributes to 61% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, perpetuating income inequality
- Top 1% of earners hold more wealth than the bottom 90% combined
- 31% of black households and 25% of Hispanic households are unbanked or underbanked, compared to 12% of white households
- Only 30% of parents talk to their kids about money regularly
- Median net worth of white households is $171,000, compared to $17,600 for black households and $20,700 for Hispanic households
What is FinLit Fest?
FinLit Fest, a nonprofit initiative through CoolKids Fund Inc. and Us or Else Inc., combines educational panel discussions with experts, entrepreneurs, students, and celebrities with inspirational musical performances, actionable sessions, KidPreneur booths, and networking opportunities.
Teenage Students
KidPreneur Booths
Expert Panelists
Music Performers
Spotlight Panelists
Tip ‘’T.I.‘’ Harris
38m+ Followers
T.I. is an Atlanta-born rapper, 3-time Grammy winner, actor, comedian, and entrepreneur known for his influential Southern hip-hop style. Beyond music, film, and business, he's a committed philanthropist, Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and advocate for social justice who continues to empower underprivileged communities.
Nikema Williams
44k+ Followers
Congresswoman Nikema Williams, the first Black woman to chair the Georgia Democratic Party, passionately advocates for justice, equity, and progress. Dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, she's committed to equipping the next generation with financial literacy tools for a prosperous future with the goal of impacting the wealth gap.
Troy Dennis
10k+ Followers
Troy Dennis, SVP and Head of Product for Fintech, Financial Inclusion & ESG at Mastercard, champions accessible finance for young minds. Committed to inclusivity and sustainability, he shapes global financial services. With a passion for financial literacy and social responsibility, he empowers the next generation to navigate their future.
TRAE THA TRUTH
4M+ FOLLOWERS
Trae Tha Truth, acclaimed rapper, business mogul, humanitarian, and nonprofit founder of Angel by Nature, joins FinLit Fest as a panelist. Beyond music, Trae champions financial literacy, leveraging his platform to educate and empower youth. He continues to mix art and activism in his home state of Texas as well as communities nationwide.
Arian Simone
4m+ Followers
Arian Simone, a trailblazing entrepreneur, author, and advocate for empowerment, embodies resilience and fearlessness. As the CEO of Fearless Magazine and co-founder of the Fearless Fund, she champions women and minority entrepreneurs. Arian inspires others to pursue their dreams and make an impact in the world.
JOHN HOPE BRYANT
3M+ Followers
John Hope Bryant, esteemed serial entrepreneur, activist, and founder of Operation HOPE, brings his passion for financial literacy to FinLit Fest. With a mission to empower youth, Bryant's keynote will inspire young minds with his journey and practical money management skills pave the way for a new generation of financially savvy kids.
Eszylfie Taylor
3M+ Followers
Eszylfie Taylor, a seasoned financial advisor, works with diverse clients like athletes, entertainers, and professionals. He simplifies financial planning, stressing applied knowledge's importance. As the president and founder of Taylor Insurance and Financial Services in Pasadena, CA, he empowers clients to make informed financial choices for their future.
Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Sponsor FinLit Fest 2024 and position your brand as an enabler of economic empowerment, proactive poverty alleviation and functional communities, among other sustainable goals.
Event Overview
EDUTAINMENT FROM EXPERIENCED EXPERTS, ENTERTAINERS & SPONSORS
Panel discussions, workshops, and musical performances in-between sessions
NETWORKING & PROMOTING OF ENTREPRENEURS
On stage, booth, brochure, email/text blast, social media, & banner promotions​​
PROVIDE ACTIONABLE LIFE LEGACY & FINANCIAL LITERACY LESSONS​
Lessons on earning, budgeting, investing, real estate, credit, and business​​
Hosts
Dr. Marlon Fuller
Dr. Marlon Fuller is the CEO, CoolKids.org and Creator of FinLit Fest. As a child growing up in a lower socioeconomic area with low-rated schools, Dr. Fuller went on to be the first in his family to go to college receiving his doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. He and his wife Christina formed CoolKids.org as an outlet to help kids academically with an educational and financial need. He enjoys spending time with his family and dedicating his life to financial literacy education to help change the future.
Thuy-An-Julien
Thuy-An Julien, a Grammy-winning entertainment and technology executive, leads Promotions at UnitedMasters. Previously, she held roles at Apple Inc., Time Inc., and Condé Nast Publications. At Apple, she spearheaded innovative marketing strategies and created the Urban Marketing department, boosting iTunes sales in the urban market. Julien's career includes positions at HipHopDX and Hartman's House, LLC. With over 15 years of experience, she has produced 70+ original albums and played a pivotal role in shaping digital music strategies.
Aaliyah Duah
Aaliyah Duah is a 20-year-old recent HBCU graduate who founded Financial Revolution, a company dedicated to financial literacy. She is also a published author, an investor, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has received numerous awards, including HBCU Entrepreneur of the Year, and was recognized by McDonald's as a 2023 McDonald's Black & Positively Golden Change Leader. Aaliyah is passionate about promoting financial empowerment and making financial education accessible for all.
Layla Fuller
Layla Fuller, an 11-year-old from Florida, champions financial literacy with remarkable vigor. As a 5th-grade A honor roll student and Spanish Honor Society member, she's not only academically accomplished but also a captivating public speaker and talented musician. Recognized by Rolling Out Magazine, Layla's journey inspires thousands, aided by her supportive family. Alongside her siblings, she's making a tangible impact, educating peers and beyond on the importance of financial literacy, leaving a lasting mark on young minds across the nation.
Music Performers
DOMANI
7.4M+ Followers
Translee
347k+ Followers
PBD Grey
2.3m+ Followers
Mickey Factz
241k+ Followers
Dex McBean
1.8m+ Followers
Lil Man J
5.5m+ Followers
Charlie Rose
440 FOLLOWERS
DJ MLK
Renowned in the hip-hop industry, DJ MLK serves as T.I.'s official DJ and a key influencer within Grand Hustle Records. His acclaimed mixtapes and dedication to music innovation have solidified his status as a leading figure in the global music scene
Schedule of Events
Please note that Load-in and Setup begins on April 26th from 7pm to 12am
|
TIME
|
TITLE
|
SPEAKER/PERFORMER
|
MODERATOR
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
6-8am
|
Load in & Set up
|
-
|
Team
|
|
8-9am
|
Student Sign-in, Breakfast & Visit Vendors
|
Music
|
DJ MLK
|
|
9-9:05am
|
Opening Remarks
|
Dr. Fuller
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
9:05-9:20
|
Keynote
|
John Hope Bryant (Present Award)
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
9:20-9:45am
|
Book Signing
|
John Hope Bryant
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
9:45-10:20am
|
Session 1: Budget like a Boss
|
Royce Monroe, Chubb Rock and Dina Marto
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
10:20-10:55am
|
Session 2 - Entrepreneurship
|
Sarae Addison, Lawrence Eggleston, and Alysha Harvey
|
Aaliyah Duah
|
|
10:55-11:10am
|
Performance
|
Mickey Factz
|
DJ MLK
|
|
11:10-11:50am
|
Session 3 - Creating a Legacy
|
Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Arian Simone
|
Thuy-An
|
|
11:50am-12:20pm
|
Lunch & Visit Vendors
|
Music
|
DJ MLK
|
|
12:20-12:35pm
|
Talent Show
|
Students
|
Aaliyah Duah
|
|
12:35-12:40pm
|
Second Keynote (Recording)
|
Surprise
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
12:40-1:15pm
|
Session 4 - The Power of Education
|
Judge Asha Jackson, Chief Curtis Adams, and Lakesha Landers
|
Aaliyah Duah
|
|
1:15-1:50pm
|
Session 5 - Investing & Owning
|
Jarell Moten, Dawn Mabery Chestnut, and Chawn Payton
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
1:50-2:05pm
|
Performance
|
Dex McBean
|
DJ MLK
|
|
2:05-2:20pm
|
Break
|
Music
|
DJ MLK
|
|
2:20-2:35pm
|
Session 6 - Mind, Body, and Money
|
Eszylife Taylor
|
Eszylife Taylor
|
|
2:35-3:10pm
|
Session 7 - Getting the Bag & Giving Back
|
Trae Tha Truth, Shawn Ray White, and Troy Dennis
|
Dr. Fuller
|
|
3:10-3:30pm
|
Performance
|
Translee & PBD Grey
|
DJ MLK
|
|
3:30-4:10pm
|
Session 8 - Millionaire Mindset
|
Tip 'T.I.' Harris
|
Layla
|
|
4:10-4:25
|
Performance
|
Domani
|
DJ MLK
|
|
4:25-4:30
|
Closing Remarks & Final Keynote
|
Dr. Fuller & Tip 'T.I.' Harris
|
Dr. Fuller & Tip
|
|
4:30-5pm
|
ATL Hawks Swag Bags w/ $10 Stock & Visit Vendors
|
Music
|
DJ MLK
|
|
5-6pm
|
Breakdown & Exit
|
-
|
Team
|
-
6 - 8am
Load-in and Setup
-
8 - 9am
Student Sign-in, Breakfast & Visit Vendors
(Music)
-
9 - 9:15am
Opening Remarks
-
9:15 - 10am
Opening Keynote
-
10 - 10:45am
Session 1 (Basics of Budgeting)
-
10:45 - 11am
Music Performance
-
11 - 11:45am
Session 2 (Introduction to Banking & Saving)
-
11:45am - 12:30pm
Lunchbreak
-
12:30 - 1:15pm
Session 3 (Understanding Credit & Loans)
-
1:15 - 2pm
Session 4 (Investment Fundamentals)
-
2 - 2:15pm
Music Performance
-
2:15 - 3pm
Workshop (Smart Spending & Saving Habits)
-
3 - 3:45pm
Session 5 (Entrepreneurship & Financial Independence)
-
3:45 - 4pm
Music Performance
-
4 - 4:45pm
Closing Session (Final Planning for the Future)
-
4:45 - 5pm
Closing Remark & Conference End
The Outcomes
Empowering children with financial literacy can bridge the wealth gap by:
Partners
