By Sylvia Powers
Correspondent
Texas Metro News
The energy inside the Esports Stadium in Arlington was undeniable as hundreds of entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring business owners gathered for the 2nd Annual Money, Power & Influence Summit hosted by Black Women’s Wall Street. More than a conference, the event served as a call to action for Black women to recognize their economic power, embrace innovation, and build lasting wealth for future generations.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in thought-provoking discussions focused on access to capital, business ownership and acquisitions, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, digital assets, and generational wealth creation. The summit brought together some of the nation’s leading voices in entrepreneurship, finance, and economic empowerment, all united by a common goal: helping Black women thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy.
One of the most compelling messages came from business strategist Kadena Tate, founder of 50 Shades of Paid International LLC, who challenged attendees to rethink how they view themselves and their economic influence.
“I think this conference is particularly important when you recognize according to University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth the buying power of African Americans exceeds $1.8 trillion dollars,” Tate said. “If Black America were a country, it would be the 11th largest economy in the world. We have to reorganize how we see ourselves and build strong infrastructure. Black Women’s Wall Street is the perfect place to begin that journey.”
The numbers support her message. According to the Wall Street Journal nationally, Black women own approximately 2.9 million businesses, representing nearly 18 percent of all women-owned businesses in America.
Yet despite these impressive figures, many Black women entrepreneurs continue to face barriers in accessing the capital, resources, and networks necessary for growth.
For local entrepreneur Lalanii Jones, the summit represented more than business education, it also symbolized hope.
“I think it’s important to be at the Black Women’s Wall Street conference on the anniversary of the Tulsa Black Wall Street tragedy and resurrection,” Jones said. “This conference reminds us to stay informed about what’s happening politically and economically and where we need to position ourselves as business owners. I’ve learned so much already, and I want to continue learning more.”
Popular DFW radio personality Lady Jade served as co-host and moderator, helping guide discussions that challenged attendees to think differently about money and wealth-building.
“I believe in Black Women’s Wall Street because their mission is to help people who look like them build wealth,” Lady Jade said. “We need the education, the information, the tools, and the resources. Information is power, and nobody can take information from you. Now it’s time to apply what we’ve learned and find ways to get the money.”
While breakout sessions led by Emmanuel Ibe, Richard Chance, Kadena Tate, and Black Women’s Wall Street co-founder JaCoi James Pugh provided practical strategies for business growth, the keynote address from nationally recognized financial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant left a lasting impression on attendees.
Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE and advisor to four U.S. presidents, shared insights on leadership, financial empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Yet one of his most memorable messages focused on the unique strengths women bring to leadership.
“Women are the creators of life,” Bryant said. “Women are powerful. Society has often been intimidated by that power. A woman’s intuition tells you everything. Men need to learn how to borrow a woman’s intuition and trust what some people call their gut feeling. Therefore, I don’t follow my brain. Your brain is just a GPS device to tell you where you should be going. I follow my intuition.”
The summit also highlighted the vision of co-founders LaToya Gooden and JaCoi James Pugh, who launched Black Women’s Wall Street in 2018 after experiencing firsthand the challenges faced by Black women entrepreneurs. What began as a conversation about the need for support and resources has evolved into a movement dedicated to advancing economic empowerment for Black women.
Looking toward the future, Gooden encouraged young women to stay informed and embrace emerging opportunities.
“I want young women to pay attention,” Gooden said. “Pay attention to what’s happening in the world, in government, in finance, and in technology. Learn about artificial intelligence. Earn certifications. Take courses. AI is coming whether we like it or not and paying attention today will help you make the right choices tomorrow.”
As attendees left the summit, they carried more than notebooks filled with ideas and strategies. They left with a renewed understanding of their economic power and a deeper commitment to building businesses, creating wealth, and shaping their communities.
In a world where Black women continue to launch businesses at one of the fastest rates in the nation, the Money, Power & Influence Summit demonstrated that success is not simply about making money it is about creating legacy, exercising influence, and ensuring that future generations inherit the tools to thrive.
For more information about Black Women’s Wall Street go to their website at https://www.blackwomenswallstreet.org.
Sylvia Powers is an award-winning author, accomplished writer, gifted photographer, and nationally recognized breast cancer advocate with a deep passion for empowering others
