In a world where financial literacy and education are key to building wealth and achieving financial stability, Black women have historically been at a disadvantage due to systemic inequities and racist policies that have hindered their ability to access resources and opportunities for investing. However, organizations like Black Women Invest, founded by Schelo Doirin Collier, are working to change the narrative and empower Black women to take control of their financial futures through investing.
Collier's journey into the world of finance began at a young age when she started investing her allowance in middle school without even realizing it. She quickly learned the concept of buying low and selling high, and the satisfaction of seeing her money grow. This early experience planted the seeds of financial independence and control in her mind, which she later translated into a mission to help other Black women gain the same knowledge and confidence in investing.
Black Women Invest started as a small Facebook group focused on real estate investing, but quickly grew to over 14,000 members, thanks in part to the wake-up call of the pandemic. As more people realized the importance of financial security and sought opportunities to earn extra income, the group expanded rapidly. Collier's approach of creating engaging and informative events, like brunches and educational workshops, has further fueled the growth of the organization and provided a supportive community for Black women to learn about investing and grow their portfolios.
The financial disparity in our society, often referred to as the wealth gap, is a pressing issue that disproportionately affects Black communities, especially Black women. Structural inequities and racist policies have limited their access to financial resources and education, making it challenging to build wealth and achieve economic stability. Black Women Invest is addressing these challenges by providing a platform for Black women to learn about investing, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the financial world.
By empowering Black women through investing, organizations like Black Women Invest are not only helping individuals build wealth and achieve financial independence but also challenging the systemic barriers that have historically held them back. Investing is a powerful tool for economic empowerment, and when Black women are equipped with the knowledge and resources to participate in the financial markets, they can create a more equitable and inclusive economy for themselves and future generations.
