CHICAGO DEFENDER: What does financial literacy mean to you? Do you understand what that phrase involves? What about generational wealth? As Black History Month ends and we move into Women’s History Month, there’s a significant sense of reflection and gratitude for the leaders who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that the Black community has access to free resources, providing a strong foundation in life, even when the starting point may be unsure.
Recently, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, and I discussed financial literacy, honoring the women in our lives, and the ongoing, upcoming events for economic empowerment in underserved communities that are free.
Marshelle Sanders: How’s your Black History Month going so far?
Melissa Conyears-Ervin: It’s going wonderfully! Black History Month is always a special time for reflection and celebration. This year has been no exception. My team and I have been involved in several events this month, and it’s been heartwarming to see so many people come together to acknowledge and honor our history. It’s been busy but very fulfilling.
Sanders: With Women’s History Month coming up in March, how are you preparing for that?
Conyears-Ervin: I love Women’s History Month; it’s another great time to highlight women’s achievements and contributions. At our office, we always do something special, whether a webinar or an event.
We’ve got some exciting things planned. One is “Wealth Wednesdays,” which I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a series where we bring in notable women in finance and entrepreneurship. This year, we’re lucky to have Suzanne Yoon joining us. She’s a powerhouse in the investment world, and her insights are invaluable, particularly for women entrepreneurs looking to build wealth.
Sanders: Speaking of influential women, who’s your most inspirational woman?
Conyears-Ervin: Without a doubt, it’s my mother. She’s everything to me. She didn’t have a college degree when I was growing up, but after I earned mine, she went back to school and earned hers. Her strength and resilience have always inspired me.
Even without a formal education then, she was the most brilliant woman I knew—she could overcome any challenge and showed me how to fight for what matters. She taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. My mother didn’t just provide for me and my sisters; she established a foundation for generational wealth, which continues to bless our family. She could guide you through anything; she’s my inspiration every day.
Sanders: You’ve hosted several impactful events like the “Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow” Summit. What inspired you to create that, and what has been one of its most memorable moments?
Conyears-Ervin: The “Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow” Summit we last held in October is close to my heart. I grew up in Englewood and on the West Side of Chicago, raised by a single mother who was a union worker. Watching her fight for workers’ rights in the union halls, often without proper childcare for us, left a lasting impact. She didn’t know it then, but built generational wealth for our family when she bought our home.
I’m passionate about helping others, particularly those in underrepresented communities, understand how to build wealth. The summit brings experts, influencers, and celebrities who teach people how to save, invest, buy homes and start businesses.
One of the most memorable moments was when we brought Beyoncé’s father, business executive Matthew Knowles. He shared some advice that stuck with me: “If my kids wanted to be doctors, I’d have bought them a hospital.” That mindset of investing in your children’s future is something we need to bring into our communities. We must teach the next generation to focus on their financial future, not just on consuming.