Thirty participants have graduated from The Playbook, a 10-week financial education programme delivered by the Lumina Festival and supported by the Centennial Foundation.
Designed for Black men aged 18 to 45, the programme focused on financial literacy, investing, budgeting and overall wellbeing. Graduates received a certificate of completion accredited by CPA Bermuda for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
To qualify, participants were required to attend at least seven of the 10 sessions and complete a capstone project featuring an investment portfolio presentation and trading plan.
Professional trader and instructor Mandela Fubler praised the inaugural cohort, saying participants demonstrated discipline, adaptability and a strong understanding of risk management throughout the programme. He also thanked guest facilitator Jalen Smith, judges Rickai Binns and Gerri Saltus, and the programme’s volunteers for their support.
The programme was delivered across three locations — Warwick Workmen’s Club, Southampton Rangers Sports Club and North Village Community Club. Sessions combined investing instruction from Mr Fubler, budgeting and personal finance guidance from accountant Sylvia Taylor, and holistic wellness coaching from fitness trainer Cervio Cox.
Ms Taylor said the programme was about more than investing and budgeting, describing it as an opportunity to build confidence, make informed financial decisions and create long-term financial security.
Mr Cox said The Playbook provided a space for participants with similar backgrounds to learn, grow and take meaningful action toward improving their financial futures.
Graduate Zaiyas Symond said the programme expanded his investment knowledge while providing valuable networking opportunities that opened new doors.
Another graduate, Shaki Whitter, said he enrolled alongside his son and described the course as comprehensive and life-changing, praising the presenters for equipping participants with the skills to both grow and manage their finances.
Graduates also received complimentary tickets to the 2026 Lumina Festival Financial Literacy Summit, which will be held on September 25 at the National Museum of Bermuda in Dockyard.
Lumina Festival organisers said programmes such as The Playbook rely on community sponsorship and encouraged anyone interested in supporting future initiatives to visit Lumina’s website for more information.
