Voice & Viewpoint Newswire
On July 24, former New Jersey Secretary of State, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., and the dfree® Financial Freedom hosted nearly 2,000 attendees for its first ever virtual conference, From Crisis to Clarity: A Cultural $hift to offer clarity to the multiple crises Black America has experienced over the last few months. Between COVID-19 and racial injustices, it has become evident that African Americans need real strategy and solutions to move forward as a culture, starting with financial progression.
The day kicked off with Dr. Soaries appearing on iHeartMedia’s The Breakfast Club to talk about the overall strategy and goals of dfree® and how we cannot carry on as a culture, “being woke and broke.” Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, dfree® is a financial freedom movement designed specifically for African Americans that focuses on cultural, spiritual and psychological spending influences.
“Despite the fact that many are trying to pull us back, we still have opportunities,” stated Dr. Soaries in his opening address. He is the Founder and CEO of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement.
Virtual conference attendees heard from speakers such as nationally-syndicated media personality Angela Yee, media mogul Tarik Brooks of Combs Enterprises-Revolt TV, among others, on the collective progression of Black America.
“We can’t ‘entrepreneur’ our way out of poverty,” stated Brooks, who is second-in-command to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. “We need to make sure we’re thinking about how impactful we can be with our votes and our dollar!”
Angela Yee stated: “If there’s anything we can take from this time, let’s figure out how we can make demands for ourselves in the future!”
“Systemic issues require systemic solutions,” said Shane’ Harris, VP Social Responsibility & Partnerships and President of the Prudential Foundation who spoke on the company’s stance on the state of Black America. Prudential Financial was the Title Sponsor of the event.
“Everything we’re going through takes a toll on us but I am not tired yet,” stated EVP & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of RWJBarnabas Health Michellene Davis Esq. “However, I am concerned for individuals who don’t feel empowered enough to be able to stand in a room of injustice.” RWJBarnabas Health was the Platinum Sponsor of the event.
For the last 15 years Dfree® has provided free tools and training to businesses and corporations in financial strategies focused on increasing wealth. A free version of their curriculum, dfree® Academy, designed to help individuals become debt free and build a blueprint for a secure financial future is available online. Visit https://www.udemy.com/course/dfree-academy/ to access the free course.
