Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, better known as hip-hop artist Saweetie, is launching a financial literacy course for ages 17 and younger. And it seems she might know a thing or two about money management. She’s built a $4 million fortune since the release of her debut single “Icy Grl” in 2017.
Spreading Financial Literacy
The 29-year-old has a nonprofit called Icy Baby Foundation, which shares the name of her debut album. One of the missions of the foundation is to promote financial literacy.
“Improving financial literacy and access to financial literacy for [the] youth of color” one of the six things Icy Baby Foundation initiates, according to the rapper’s website. “[The] non-profit organization that equips young people with the values and vision to pursue their dreams.”
The foundation plans to offer free classes in financial literacy via a nationwide tour. Although the tour doesn’t officially launch until January 2023 in Las Vegas, the foundation has already held two events — one in Elk Grove near Sacramento and another in Oakland, California.
More than 400 students attended the Elk Grove event, with 100 registered participants slated for her six-week online course.
Core courses include entrepreneurship, youth mentoring, serving underserved communities, coding training, and teaching life skills through mental and confident-boosting exercises.
The program created by Saweetie and her grandmother, Roxane Harper.
“I want to continue using my foundation and resources to financially empower young children and students, especially in Black and Brown communities,” Saweetie told Vibe. “The long-term goal for the Icy Baby Foundation is to increase financial literacy amongst kids and propel them to brighter futures. My grandmother and I have worked on this for a few years so it’s exciting to finally implement this course and program for young people.”
Students who enroll in Saweetie’s financial literacy program will receive a loaded debit card and will be taught money management with the card. Students get an additional fund added to their card per each class that they complete.
“Our goal is to reach as many young people as we can and educate them about financial literacy before they reach adulthood,” the rapper said.
Why Focus on Financial Literacy
“Financial illiteracy is a systemic problem impacting the Black and Brown communities, especially in the lower economic demographic. It is passed down through generations but can be broken with education and resources. We are trying to break that cycle through our Icy Baby Foundation,” Saweetie said.
