Why is Black wealth projected to hit zero by 2053 and what can we do to change its trajectory? In this episode of The Blessed Code™️, host Melvin Rodriguez sits down with Dr. Charlie Dates, Senior Pastor of Progressive & Salem Baptist Churches in Chicago, and Ross Mac, Ivy League entrepreneur and financial educator, to decode the intersection of faith, finance, and generational trauma. From the mistrust of banks after the collapse of the Freedman’s Bank, to the psychological traps of consumerism, to the role of the Black church in financial empowerment. This conversation unpacks how stewardship, literacy, and faith can shift us from survival to generational wealth. If you’ve ever wondered: Why generational trauma keeps Black families from building wealth What the church’s role is in financial literacy & empowerment How to break free from living paycheck to paycheck Why stewardship is a spiritual discipline, not just a financial one What it will take to rewrite the Black wealth story …this episode is for you. 💬 Timestamps:0:00 Introduction3:41 The roots of mistrust: Freedman’s Bank & generational trauma5:06 Why Black America is under-banked & under-invested8:07 The role of the Black church in financial freedom12:46 How trauma shapes our relationship with money21:52 Why Black wealth could reach zero by 205325:44 Teaching children the language of money early28:51 The psychology of contentment vs. consumerism39:50 Stewardship, legacy, and leaving wealth for generations QUOTES:  “Exposure is the greatest teacher.” – Ross Mac “My blessed code is understanding that someone else's success doesn't equate to my failure.” – Ross Mac “Wealth isn't just about accumulation, it's about legacy, impact, and stewardship.” – Melvin Rodriguez “Money will buy you a house, but it won't make you a home.” – Dr. Charlie Dates  “If Christians are not the people stewarding wealth, then wealth will continually hurt oppressed and marginalized people.” – Dr. Charlie Dates  📲 Stay connected & follow us: ▶️ The Blessed Code™️ Podcast – @theblessedcode ▶️ Melvin Rodriguez – @themelvinrodriguez▶️ Stay Blessed Studios – @stayblessedstudio🌐 Explore more at Stay Blessed Studio – stayblessedstudio.com 🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔥 If this episode spoke to you, be sure to leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. 🔑 The story must be told™️ Stay blessed, stay grounded, and keep unlocking your code. The Blessed Code™️ is produced by EPYC Media Network