LET'S TALK ABOUT THE HOUSE — LIVE

Christina Lynch and Kelwin Harris from Cook County Assessor's Office

Moderated by Gail Walker

In this session attendees will gain a clear understanding of what a homestead exemption is and why it matters for reducing property taxes. They will learn how to maintain or reapply for a homestead exemption after the death of a spouse or parent, including the documentation and timelines typically required. Attendees will also discover practical steps to prevent unexpected property tax increases following a death by ensuring continued eligibility and proper filing. Together, these insights will help families navigate property tax rules with confidence during times of transition.

10:15 - 11:50 AM and 1:25 - 2:10 PM

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. This quiet space offers room for meditation—a calm retreat amid the day’s conversations on legacy, memory, and healing.

11:05 - 11:45 AM and 1:25 - 2:05 PM

Raven Fisher and Ti'Asha Oakes from Nave Wellness Center

A licensed counselors will be available to answer any questions about navigating difficult conversations with loved ones.  

Toni Anderson & Tytus Henry

Moderated by Mercedes Washington

In this session attendees will gain an understanding of how a collective land trust is developed and why it plays a vital role in community economic development. They will learn about the real-world challenges and victories involved in establishing and sustaining a collective land trust. Attendees will also explore effective methods for preserving art and artifacts so they remain protected for future generations. Together, these insights will highlight how land, culture, and community stewardship work hand in hand.

Astin Hayes from InHeirit

In this session attendees will learn what a will is, how it functions, and why it is a foundational part of an estate plan. They will explore the practical benefits a will provides to them and their families, including clarity, control, and reduced conflict during estate administration. Attendees will also be guided through using a computer to prepare and file a will in real time. By the end, participants will feel more confident taking this important step toward protecting their wishes and their loved ones.

Nyssa Bolden, Evin Rayford & Mercedes Washington

In this session, we’ll explore the emotional toll that can come with honoring the wishes of a loved one after they pass, and why acknowledging those feelings is so important. We’ll also discuss how to give grace—to yourself and to others—when family dynamics or finances become difficult during these moments. Together, we’ll learn how to foster community support and begin creating a blueprint that strengthens and guides future generations. Our goal is to provide clarity, compassion, and connection as you navigate these meaningful responsibilities.

Frankie Johnson, Sound Healer  (ZenFrankie)

In this session attendees will learn how to use the universal life force through sound to support their own healing and well-being. They will gain an understanding of indigenous healing practices and the wisdom behind these traditional approaches. Attendees will also explore ways to treat themselves with greater love, compassion, and patience as part of a holistic self-care practice. Together, these tools will help participants cultivate deeper balance and inner harmony.

Rendel Solomon and Keyana Payne from InHeirit

In this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the difference between a will and a trust, and why that distinction matters for your future planning. We’ll walk through the steps involved in establishing a trust so you know exactly how to get started. You’ll also learn what probate is and how to avoid unnecessary losses and excess fees that can arise from the process. By the end, you’ll feel more informed and empowered to make sound estate-planning decisions.

Teresa Chandler Cook County Assessor's Office

In this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how the property tax system works and what it means for homeowners. We’ll walk through which exemptions automatically renew so you know what to expect each year. You’ll also learn how to check which exemptions were applied to your home last year, giving you the tools to stay informed and confident. Our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and easy to navigate.

Tasleem Firdausse, Andrea Clark Horton & Nave Wellness Center Team

Moderated by Mercedes Washington

In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to use faith daily as a grounding tool for balance and resilience. You’ll also learn about the benefits of collective participation and how coming together strengthens our communities. We’ll discuss how to center Black excellence in our daily lives as a means to honor and protect our legacy. By the end, you’ll leave with actionable insights to nurture yourself and uplift those around you.

Veronica Barnes 

Founder & CEO of Mindset 2 Money 

Khalil Cole

Biology Major, Alabama A & M University

Tawana Watts

Founder & CEO of Be’Be’’s Ark 

Moderated by Tamiko Nettles

In this session, youth will dive into the question: What does it really mean to build a legacy—and how do I start now? Through conversations with community leaders and youth advocates, youth will explore how their voice, their choices, and their financial decisions shape the impact they leave on the world. This Youth Empowerment & Advocacy Panel will help young people understand the role they play in creating change, navigating financial responsibilities—especially in moments of family transition—and using their lived experience to build a future they’re proud of. 

Tawana Watts

CEO & Founder of Be’Be’s Ark

This session invites youth to explore how grief can shape, challenge, and transform us—especially after the loss of someone we love. Led by an organization dedicated to healing, remembrance, and youth empowerment, this workshop will create a safe space for participants to reflect on their own experiences with loss and discover how honoring a loved one’s memory can keep their spirit alive. Through guided conversation, storytelling, and a hands-on memorabilia activity, youth will learn healthy ways to navigate grief, celebrate the lives of those they miss, and recognize the strength that can grow from moments of pain.

Khalil Cole

Biology Student, Alabama A & M University

This session introduces youth to the importance of homeownership as a pathway to stability, independence, and generational wealth, while giving them a creative and practical look at what it means to shape a home of their own. Participants will learn why owning a home matters, explore the possibilities it creates for their future, and take part in a hands-on “Dream Room Renovation on a Dime” activity where they’ll design a room using a set layout and budget. By making choices, prioritizing wants vs. needs, and staying within a budget, youth will practice real-world financial decision-making and discover how their choices can help build the future—and the home—they imagine.

A fun, creative lab where youth craft stories, solve STEM challenges, and learn how to grow and protect their ‘legacy.’

What could your Family Legacy look like? In this interactive session, youth will tell, act out, and/or represent their own story to celebrate their family’s legacy — including history, property, traditions, and values — while connecting this understanding to financial literacy, community preservation, and generational pride. Participants will create a Family Legacy Map that they can share with their families after the conference.