Advice from Black business leaders for the next generation of Black Americans

Advice from Black business leaders for the next generation of Black Americans

In celebration of Black History Month, CNBC Invest in You is featuring weekly stories from CNBC contributors and members of the Financial Wellness Council, including the lessons they've learned growing up, their advice to Black youth, their inspirations and how they are working to close the racial wealth gap.More needs to be done to help Black Americans achieve financial success, from increased financial literacy resources to realizing the unique power the next generation of Black Americans holds.The pandemic has widened the gap between Black-owned businesses and their white counterparts. Black-owned businesses declined by 41% between February and April 2020, compared with a 17% decline among White-owned businesses. Recent research shows that Black Americans' knowledge of saving and investing significantly lags behind whites.Here's advice from CNBC contributors and members of the CNBC Financial Wellness Council, including their recommendations to those in power and the Black youth of America.

Brandon Copeland, NFL player

For New England Patriots linebacker Brandon Copeland, financial literacy won't come to those who idle and wait. Instead, it is something people need to seek out."My advice to the next generation of Black Americans is to not wait for this information, but be proactive in seeking it out."Copeland, who graduated from and now teaches