Anthony Walker, an author and program developer who said he was formerly incarcerated, presented an 8-week financial-literacy program designed for incarcerated people and their families and proposed piloting it in San Francisco jails and community centers.

Walker said his book, B is for Black Wealth, has sold close to 5,000 copies and is used as a text for the program, A Guide to Intergenerational Wealth. "Through this program, a guide to intergenerational wealth, we have served close to a thousand students, both adults and youth," Walker told the board. He described the curriculum as 16 hours over eight sessions, adaptable by facility and audience.

Walker said the program emphasizes practical financial tools and a collectivist approach to building family wealth. He told the board the curriculum covers budgeting, basic investing and strategies to leverage family resources; it also addresses systemic barriers such as redlining and housing affordability. Walker said materials can be adapted for incarcerated participants, including paperback copies for facility circulation.

Board members and public commenters responded with questions about implementation and venues. Member Estela Ortiz, who works with unhoused families, said the program could serve both inside facilities and in community prevention settings, calling it "prevention work" that can help families and youth. Several members suggested the program could integrate with family-visiting upgrades the sheriff's office is pursuing.

Why it matters: Financial literacy programs in correctional settings aim to increase family connection, reduce recidivism risk factors and support reentry planning. Board members highlighted the program’s potential to reach youth, caregivers and incarcerated residents while noting logistical issues such as materials delivery and facilitator access.

Provenance
"topicintro": "Calling line item 4: Anthony Walker presented a program based on his book B is for Black Wealth and asked about bringing the curriculum into jails and community sites.",
"topfinish": "Board members asked logistical questions and offered to explore possible pilot sites and partnerships; no board action was taken."

Ending: Walker and board members agreed to follow up on possible pilot sites and copies for facility use; the board encouraged continued coordination between Walker, the sheriff’s office and community partners.