This isn’t just financial literacy—it’s a cultural revolution. Meet the movement turning strategy into security and dollars into dignity.

There’s something sacred about knowing your worth. And there’s something even more powerful about learning how to grow it, protect it, and pass it on.

For far too long, Black families have been locked out of generational wealth—not because we lacked brilliance, but because we lacked access. Because the systems weren’t designed for us to win. But now, there’s a shift happening. And at the front of that shift is Melanin Money—a platform turning financial strategy into freedom.

From Scarcity to Strategy

When Carter Cofield and George Acheampong came across a study projecting that Black wealth could hit zero by 2053, they didn’t panic. They planned.

They knew the reality: both men came from humble beginnings. Carter from a 3-bedroom house with nine people on the South Side of Chicago. George, from a similar struggle. But they also knew this—wealth is not just a number; it’s a mindset. And mindsets can be transformed.

So, they made a bold promise to the community: help 100,000 Black families build a net worth of at least $1 million each.

The goal? Close the racial wealth gap by $100 billion. And they’re well on their way.

Meet the Advisors You Didn’t Know You Needed

Together, Carter (a CPA) and George (a financial advisor) built Melanin Money to serve as a one-stop shop for wealth building—tax strategy, investment guidance, business planning, and real accountability.

But this isn’t just about theory. One of their clients—once on food stamps in 2018—is now worth over $5 million. With five children, she’s built a million-dollar legacy for each one.

That’s not a fluke. That’s the power of the right guidance.

Making It Make Sense—for Us

Where others speak in numbers, Carter speaks in truth. He breaks down Wall Street wisdom with real-world clarity. Think: explaining the stock market through a Jordan sneaker sale. Explaining taxes through everyday spending.

And it sticks. Because when people understand, they believe. And when they believe, they act.

“If you don’t find ways to make money while you sleep,” Carter says, “you’ll work until you die.”

That kind of wisdom doesn’t just spark action—it lights a fire.

 First, We Shift the Mindset

Most people think wealth starts with income. But Melanin Money teaches that it starts with intention.

Their most powerful lesson? Pay yourself first. Not just with money—but with discipline, consistency, and vision. That simple shift—from reactive to proactive—has helped thousands move from surviving to thriving.

And they’re not just reaching the top. They’re bringing the community with them.

Wealth Feels Better in Community

Through free weekly classes, free content, and their Melanin Millionaire Club, they’ve taught over 22,000 people how to invest and build wealth—without gatekeeping.

They also lead by giving: from food drives in Cabo to scholarships, their foundation reinvests into the people who need it most.

Because this movement isn’t about flexing. It’s about freedom.

“People will do more for recognition than they will for money,” Carter explains.

“So we’ve built celebration into our strategy.”

At Wealth Weekend, their annual conference, clients aren’t just learning—they’re being honored. For building real wealth. For maxing out IRAs. For hitting 7-figure milestones. For choosing discipline over distraction.

Visibility with Purpose

They’ve been featured on national platforms, from Steve Harvey to Forbes. But they don’t lead with the press. They lead with impact.

“Whether we’re on a big stage or a quiet one, the mission is the same: 100,000 Black millionaires. That’s it. That’s the work.”

And the work is working.

Final Word:

This is more than financial literacy. It’s about ownership, pride, and power. It’s about shifting the cultural narrative—one family, one account, one mindset at a time.

And if you’re ready to take your first step? Start where thousands have already begun:

Check out the Melanin Money YouTube channel and begin building the wealth your last name deserves.

WHEN LEGACY MEETS PURPOSE

It doesn’t take long in conversation with Mark Schuster to understand you’re speaking with a man not merely constructing buildings, but reimagining belonging.

With the calm confidence of a seasoned leader and the humility of someone who still listens more than he speaks, Mark doesn’t tout numbers or accolades. Instead, he talks people. Culture. Dignity. The kind of values not often listed on development blueprints—but maybe, just maybe, should be.

This is the ethos behind Cypress 595, the fifth phase of Atlanta’s transformative City Lights Campaign, a 1,500-unit affordable housing development redefining the old Fourth Ward. But to tell that story, you have to go back further—to the man who believes in people first, profit second, and purpose always.

“REAL ESTATE ISN’T JUST LAND. IT’S A LIFESTYLE.”

Mark’s journey began in 1977 at his father’s firm. By 1990, he broke out on his own, fueled not by ego, but by a quiet fire for doing things differently. “I always believed in getting my hands dirty,” he shared. “Real estate gave me that.”

Over the decades, his firm Wingate expanded to 18 states—but stayed rooted in one central value: culture over clout.

At Wingate, the receptionist and the project manager have equal voice in the room. Insurance, HR, and property management all sit at the table when a new build is discussed. “We try to run as horizontal as possible,” he explained. “Because everyone touches the mission. Everyone matters.”

And when it came to City Lights—everyone was seen.

CYPRESS 595: NOT JUST AFFORDABLE. EXCEPTIONAL.

Located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward, Cypress 595 is not a back-room add-on to a gentrification push—it’s the centerpiece.

Wingate didn’t bulldoze the past or displace the people. They honored both.

“We didn’t want to disrupt families,” Mark said. “We relocated them nearby, to properties we owned. Same schools, same bus routes, same community.” And when the buildings were ready? Those families were invited back first.

That’s what leadership with heart looks like.

Caption: Before the skyline changed, the people were prioritized. That’s the Wingate way.

THE HEARTBEAT BEYOND THE BRICK

Mark’s mission didn’t end with housing. It expanded to Operation PEACE, a nonprofit investing over $2 million into after-school education and youth development. Children from Wingate’s properties gain access to IT programs, mentorship, and a chance to dream bigger.

And when a staffer asked Mark to sponsor a teen basketball team? Not only did he say yes—Wingate employees now scrimmage the kids regularly. “We lost, of course,” he laughed. “But those games spark real conversations about college, careers, and life.”

It’s not about scoring points. It’s about creating pathways.

TECH, TRUST, AND TOMORROW

Wingate also brought smart tech into the fold—not to flex, but to serve. Residents can access online resources through in-building business centers. Security systems link with Atlanta PD. And yes, there’s even a robot named Wingate patrolling the grounds like a friendly neighborhood transformer (who unfortunately needs a few mechanical check-ups).

It’s innovation that uplifts, not intimidates.

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

As Cypress 595 opens its doors, Mark’s eyes are already on what’s next: the final phases of affordable units, a major market-rate expansion, and replicating this success from Maine to Miami.

But even with national ambitions, he remains deeply local in spirit. “We love affordable housing,” he said simply. “Because it lets us provide not just homes—but hope.”

CLOSING THOUGHT

If you ever wondered what it looks like when real estate becomes a vehicle for justice, equity, and empathy, look no further than Wingate. Look no further than Mark Schuster.

Because when the foundation is built on dignity—every door opens wider.

Yo, if you ever needed a reminder that Black brilliance hits different when we build together, let’s talk about Jeff Nelson—co-founder of Blavity and one of the sharpest minds in the culture game.

You might know Blavity as the go-to platform for Black millennials but let me put you on to the story behind the story. Jeff Nelson didn’t just stumble into greatness. He built it, brick by digital brick, with heart, hustle, and a vision that never quit.

Back in the day, before the stages and sponsorships, Jeff met Morgan DeBaun in college—he was her RA! From that moment, he saw her magic and pulled her into student government as his VP. That bond turned into a business blueprint, and together, they sparked something that would turn into a cultural wave.

Fast forward, and now Jeff is the behind-the-scenes master operator. As COO of Blavity, he’s the tech whisperer, the one turning ideas into impact. From AI-driven apps to strategizing event tech, he’s the guy making sure Blavity doesn’t just show up, it shows out.

Let’s talk Blavity Fest—the new crown jewel in the culture calendar. Jeff calls it a “big block party around the city,” but make no mistake, this is luxury meets community meets turn-up. From Kirk Franklin and 2 Chainz to Marsei Martin and Keith Lee, this year’s lineup is stacked with voices that move the culture forward.

What makes Blavity events special? According to Jeff, it’s that intentional energy. They don’t just throw events—they design exp

eriences. “You can be an exec by day and hit the afterparty by night,” he says. It’s about honoring every facet of the Black identity.

And listen, if you’re a content creator, talk show host, DJ, or someone with a vision and a mic—Jeff says tap in. Blavity has open applications, partnerships, and a Creator Collective that’s linking talent with major brands. They’re not gatekeeping the game—they’re opening doors.

The future? Oh, it’s global. Blavity’s touching cities from Houston to Paris, Miami to Martha’s Vineyard, building a real-world network to match the online movement.

So here’s the vibe: Jeff Nelson isn’t just operating a company. He’s architecting culture. And if you’re about your purpose, your people, and your power—it’s time to take notes and take up space.

Article by Tajala Kelly

Interview powered by The ReCap Report