Building Generational Wealth, Creating a Legacy: How Primerica is Helping Empower African American Communities

African American communities have long faced systemic barriers to building wealth — from discriminatory lending practices to limited access to financial education and professional advice. But a growing network within Primerica is working to close that gap by boosting financial education, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering leadership from within.

At the heart of this movement is the African American Leadership Council (AALC), Primerica’s oldest and largest network dedicated to supporting and empowering African American sales force leaders. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the AALC has grown from a small group of committed leaders to nearly 300 field leaders who represent more than 34,000 licensed representatives across North America — all united by a shared goal.

“Members of our sales force come from all walks of life, reflecting the communities in which they live and serve,” said Glenn J. Williams, CEO of Primerica. “Our African American leaders have built their businesses around helping families get on the path to a secure financial future, allowing their clients to focus on building generational wealth.”

That sense of mission drives everything the AALC does, from mentorship and leadership development to financial education — all focused on helping members grow their businesses and make a greater impact in their communities. Recognizing the deep connection between financial education and long-term financial wellness, AALC leaders routinely host meetings, trainings and workshops to inspire Primerica’s best talent to equip their communities with the financial knowledge and tools they need to thrive.

This work is personal. Many AALC members started their own businesses through Primerica, breaking into a financial services industry where African American professionals are historically underrepresented. By mentoring up-and-coming field leaders, they are not only growing successful businesses but also paving the way for others to do the same.

“When I started my business, I didn’t see many people who looked like me in financial services,” said Ivan Earle, co-chair of AALC and Primerica Senior National Sales Director. “Now, I get to mentor the next generation and show them what’s possible when you combine education with opportunity.”

One of the group’s signature events is the AALC Leadership Conference — one of the most powerful conferences in the country — designed to elevate and empower individuals through the success of entrepreneurship. The special Legacy Summit event this year is being held from April 25-27 in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to draw 3,000 leaders with a theme of “25 Years of Black Excellence, A Golden Future.” With the belief of “collaborate, don’t compete — there’s enough success to go around,” the conference is intended to motivate, educate and celebrate the achievements of Primerica’s African American leaders.

But the AALC’s mission also extends far beyond fostering entrepreneurial success. The organization has made it a priority to give back to the communities it serves through charitable donations to various nonprofit organizations and causes. Since its inception, the AALC has donated more than $250,000 to various local, national and international organizations, including the Boris L. Henson Foundation, which promotes mental health in Black communities by developing culturally competent programs and education. These efforts reflect a broader vision of what financial empowerment can achieve — not just for individuals but for entire communities.

“What makes the AALC powerful is that we’re not just changing lives — we’re changing the narrative,” said Earle. “We’re showing our communities that wealth is not out of reach, it’s within our grasp.”

At this year’s conference, the AALC is also incorporating social media and modern marketing techniques into its programming, with the goal of helping leaders tap new audiences and expand their reach. It’s a forward-looking move that recognizes how the tools of the trade continue to evolve — and that staying relevant means staying connected.

As the AALC marks its 25th year, its impact is undeniable. What began as a small network to cultivate talent and pave the way for future African American sales force leaders has become a movement to change lives through financial education and opportunity. It’s about more than closing a gap — it’s about opening doors.

Through the power of shared experience, mentorship and a deep commitment to service, AALC leaders are creating a ripple effect of financial empowerment that will echo for generations. And in doing so, they are not just bridging the wealth gap — they are building a legacy.

“I joined to help people learn important financial principles— but I stayed because of the impact I saw in my own neighborhood,” said Earle. “We’re creating a movement, one financially educated family at a time.”