LEGUP Secure Our Wealth Symposium 2025 ignites collective power in the Black community

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Ohhhhh Wee! Last weekend, the energy at the LEGUP: Secure Our Wealth Symposium was nothing short of electric. Now in its third powerful year, this transformative two-day event brought together: Africa-Caribbean entrepreneurs, financial experts, and community leaders under one bold mission—to tackle economic inequality and plant the seeds for generational wealth. Held in partnership with CEE Toronto and led by Brothers Who Care, this year’s theme, “Cooperation & Interdependence,” drew inspiration from the Adinkra symbol Boa Me Na Me Mmoa Wo (“Help me and let me help you”)—a call to action for mutual support and collective prosperity.

“This event is not just a gathering; it’s a movement born out of necessity,” shared David Griffiths, Founder and CEO of Brothers Who Care, and he meant it. With every panel, pitch, and poetic performance, the LEGUP Symposium reminded attendees that real wealth isn’t built in isolation. It grows through shared wisdom, intentional strategy, and united effort.

From Fireside Chats to the Young Professionals Mixer, Friday night kicked off with a strong sense of purpose and community. Moderated by Dwayne Morgan, and hosted by Winston Robinson, two respected community leaders and entrepreneurs, the evening’s fireside chat tackled urgent topics—how to take control in uncertain economic times, access banking tools, and build real financial resilience. Insightful contributions from panelists like Bruce Sellery (Credit Canada), Elton John (TD Bank), Nana Guenther (KPMG) and others made it clear: knowledge is wealth, and community is the key to unlocking it.

“This isn’t the end, it is a reminder of what’s possible when we lead with unity, courage, and intention.”

The night didn’t stop there. The Black Youth CAN Young Professional Mixer, hosted by CEE Toronto and Roundtable Academy, gave Black professionals aged 18–45 a chance to connect, dream, and strategize together. From human bingo icebreakers to deep networking moments, this mixer created space for the next generation of leaders to plant seeds of collaboration that will flourish in years to come.

Saturday opened with equal force. The morning keynote, featuring powerful voices like Latanya Housen (TD), Paul Hamilton (KPMG), Agapi Gessesse (CEE Toronto), and David Griffiths himself, laid the foundation for a day centered on self-determination and smart money moves. Attendees were guided through workshops and panels that explored the mental and emotional roots of financial behavior in “The Money Mindset” session, featuring voices like Asante Haughton and Rhiannon Rosalind—blending mental health and wealth in a deeply relatable way.

By midday, momentum surged into “The Black Wealth Roadmap”, where art, finance, and entrepreneurship collided. Creatives like Benny Bing reminded attendees that artistic expression can be a powerful vehicle for economic independence, while experts from Alterna Savings and the banking sector broke down strategies for sustainable business growth.

A lunchtime cultural showcase gave the community a chance to refuel and recharge. Attendees had a chance to visit a bustling marketplace of Black-owned vendors (Anointed, A+ Smoodees, Chateau Neuf, AfroCrush, Golden Scents, and Kujali), and the atmosphere was joyful and grounded, proof that culture and commerce can—and must—coexist.

The afternoon breakout LEGUP Power Sessions were all about action. Whether attendees were looking to launch a business, climb the career ladder, understand home equity, or navigate the balance between creativity and finance, there was a session tailored for them. These rooms didn’t just provide information—they sparked transformation.

One of the most anticipated moments came during the LEGUP Property Path session, where real estate experts: Andrew Garrett (Spotlight Development), Charles Ayodele (Finances by Charles), and Kevin Springer (TD Bank) dropped serious gems: on home ownership, investment strategies, and property as a pathway to generational wealth.

The fire kept burning through the final stretch. The LEGUP Den—a high-energy pitch competition—was where innovation met investment. Young entrepreneurs presented their bold ideas in front of a panel of expert judges and community investors, competing not just for prizes, but for opportunities to scale and sustain their visions.

As the sun set, the Closing Celebration brought it all together. Awards, live performances, and community dancing closed the weekend with a sense of pride, joy, and momentum. “This isn’t the end,” said David during his closing remarks. “It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we lead with unity, courage, and intention.”

The LEGUP Secure Our Wealth Symposium 2025 was more than a conference—it was a blueprint. A vivid reminder that when we come together, share knowledge, and support one another, we don’t just secure wealth—we secure legacy.