Iverson Classic Champions Financial Literacy at Awards Ceremony

National Urban League and Experian Present Panel to Help Young Athletes "Protect The Bag"

Memphis (April 27, 2022) – The National Urban League and Experian will co-present a panel discussion on the importance of financial literacy for high school athletes as part of the upcoming Iverson Classic Awards. The ceremony, featuring Grammy-winning recording artist, Lecrae, is set for Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. 

“Protect The Bag Live" is the title of the panel session and an extension of the financial education and empowerment web series created by Lecrae in partnership with Experian. The event will advise young athletes on managing money and avoiding financial pitfalls as they pursue their professional goals.

“At Experian, it’s our mission to drive financial inclusion and access to all, which is why we’re especially proud to join the National Urban League to support the athletes and their families. Financial education can start at any age. As these young trailblazers embark on their collegiate and pro sports journey, we’re here to be a resource for them and their families as they pursue their life’s goals, on and off the court,” said Wil Lewis, Experian’s Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Experian serves as the financial literacy partner for the Iverson Classic.

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial praised Experian, the Iverson Classic, and Lecrae for prioritizing financial literacy and providing a powerful platform through Protect The Bag Live, for education and wealth-building skills.

“The National Urban League is broadly committed to enhancing financial literacy for people of color - skills they can leverage to build generational wealth and improve their communities,” said Morial. “We’re pleased to partner with Experian and the Iverson Classic to empower gifted young athletes with tools to protect what they earn.”

For Iverson Classic Co-founder Jai Manselle, the “Protect Your Bag Live” session is an opportunity to address an urgent community and sports industry need. 

"So many young players enter college and the professional realm from humble backgrounds and are underprepared for the financial pressures that come with success," Manselle said. “I’m grateful to the National Urban League and Experian for looking out for these athletes. Our partnership is about helping young people make the best possible money decisions for their welfare.”

About National Urban League

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.

About Experian

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 20,000 people operating across 44 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximise every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.