In a groundbreaking move, Ross Mac, the creator of the popular digital series “Maconomics” brings his phenomenal wealth summit to the heart of Chicago. This annual event merges education and entertainment, empowering attendees with essential financial knowledge from an urban perspective.

Hailing from Chicago, Ross Mac is an Ivy-league graduate of Wharton School of Business, who is determined to break the barriers surrounding financial literacy. Creating the digital series “Maconomics”, Ross brings his second Annual Wealth Summit to Chicago. This year’s lineup did not disappoint as the event was filled with multiple financial guru’s, a special musical performance and a star-studded celebrity charity basketball game.

The wealth summit took place July 12th-July 14th at Ross’s alma mater Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. Kicking off with an all white yacht party, Ross along with all of the speakers and VIP experienced a memorable moment together. Following up Saturday with the summit, WGCI’s own Zach Boog along with Portia King were moderators of the event. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson opened the summit with powerful words of encouragement.

Maconomics Panel/ Photo Credit : Tyris Photography

As the summit went underway, topics surrounding real estate investments, stocks, loans, lending programs, and generational wealth filled the room. The line up of panelists included Ryan Leslie, Ian Dunlap, Earn Your Leisure, Chicago Bears running back Khari Blasingame and Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans. A variety of financial guru’s like Matthew Garland, Rashauna Scott, Evan Turner, Frank Holland, Mandell Crawley and so many others made for an impactful panel. Chicago’s own Jeremih also gave a special performance for all who attended the summit.

Lastly, the summit ended Sunday with a star studded “Maconomics” Foundation Celebrity Basketball Classic. This was a perfect way to have some fun and give back to the community while promoting financial education. The charity game was one to remember , with celebrities like WGCI’s Tone Kapone, actors Cortez Smith from The Chi and Kris D. Lofton from Power Book IV Force playing on the court. Rap artist K Camp was also in attendance throughout the weekend.

Overall, this event raised the bar when it comes to awareness, community, financial literacy and genuine support. Ross Mac emphasizes the urgency of financial literacy, stating, “By the year of 2053, the median net worth of Black Americans is expected to fall to ZERO. My life mission is to assure that never happens by educating my community on the power of investing and being financially literate..”. For more details on next year’s event visit the Maconomics website now!!

Andrea Taylor hosts her first annual fashion gala, “The Royal Affair “, a tribute to black excellence. The inspiration behind the event stemmed from the desire to spotlight and celebrate black excellence in the entrepreneurial world of fashion. Bringing together photographers, models, and business owners, its primary goal is to showcase the black community’s beauty, talent, and innovation. The event aimed to provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to network, learn, and be inspired by successful individuals who have turned their dreams into reality.

 By fostering a supportive environment and highlighting the achievements of black entrepreneurs, the event sought to empower and motivate others to pursue their ambitions with determination and resilience. 

Stream the project HERE

Hailing from the vibrant city of San Bernardino, California, and rooted in the Inland Empire, artist Jay Furr (@1jayfurr), introduces his latest body of work ‘The Influence.’ The 16-track project transcends conventional boundaries and marks his first full-length release since 2021. Furr’s unique blend of prevailing melodies and profound lyrics characterizes his distinctive sound, which he aptly labels “prevail music.” Stand out tracks from the album include “Love Don’t Cost A Thing,” “Did It Perfect,” and “Picture This,” all which offer something for every listener.

Furr shared that music serves as therapy for him, an avenue through which he continually challenges himself to exceed artistic boundaries. “Music is therapy for me and I love to create and outdo myself each time I record,” he says. “Life inspires me and knowing there’s a fan out there that I’m relating to.” His creative process is deeply intertwined with life’s experiences, drawing inspiration from the profound connection with fans who resonate with his authenticity.

Moreover, Jay Furr’s musical influences include some of the best in the game: Lil Durk, Young Thug, Future, Drake, Lil Wayne, and Gunna. These artists reflect the diverse palette that shapes his sound. He particularly admires Gunna for his musical pocket, a quality that resonates with Furr’s own approach to composition.

“The Influence” represents a significant milestone in Furr’s musical journey, showcasing his versatility and vulnerability. The project dives into all facets of Furr’s persona, encapsulating the pain, triumphs, and everything in between. “This project speaks on all aspects of me from the pain to the prevail and everything in between,” he says. “It’s giving you a glimpse of me.” 

Looking ahead, Furr promises a prolific 2024, with plans for additional projects and music releases. Fans can anticipate a flood of new content and a special tape set for release on Valentine’s Day.

In a heartfelt message to his audience, Furr encourages everyone to bounce back from life’s challenges and embrace the hardships. “Don’t be afraid to talk about the hardships because the next person could be going through the same thing as you,” he emphasizes. “Don’t be afraid to be you.”

For a firsthand experience of “The Influence” and to stay updated on Jay Furr’s musical journey, follow him on Twitter @furrskii, Instagram @1jayfurr, and YouTube Furrskii.

Listen to The Influence below: