I’m Dr. LaRachelle Samuel-Smith, and I’m excited to introduce my new book, Black to the Future: Lessons from Black Wall Street for Community and Economic Prosperity. This book is more than just a reflection on the past—it’s a call to action for today’s leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs.
When I moved from my hometown of Houston, Texas, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2020, I was captivated by the powerful history of the Greenwood District, once known as Black Wall Street. Over the two years I lived in Tulsa, it was a time of reflection from—the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the tragic death of George Floyd, and the 400 Years of African American History Commission call to Write a New History—I felt a profound connection to this place. These events highlighted the urgency of understanding the economic empowerment and resilience of Black communities like Greenwood.
Black to the Future is not just a history book. It is an exploration of how the lessons from Black Wall Street can be applied to today’s struggles for racial and economic justice. It’s an invitation for all of us to learn from this incredible legacy and work toward a more just, prosperous future.
Why You Should Read Black to the Future
- Discover Untold Stories: Unearth the incredible achievements of Black entrepreneurs and community leaders who created a thriving economic hub in the face of adversity.
- Gain Practical Strategies for Today: The book explores specific, actionable lessons from Black Wall Street—like community collaboration, financial independence, and resource building—that can help modern communities overcome economic barriers.
- Join a Movement for Change: By reading this book, you’re joining a network of individuals committed to economic empowerment and racial equity. Together, we can build communities that thrive, just as Greenwood once did.
How This Book Can Help Different Audiences
- Community Leaders and Organizers: Learn how Greenwood’s model of economic collaboration can inspire modern-day initiatives to foster empowerment and economic growth in underserved communities.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Explore how Black Wall Street entrepreneurs built successful businesses and use those lessons to overcome the financial and systemic barriers facing today’s Black business owners.
- Educators and Students: Whether you’re teaching African American history or community development, Black to the Future offers both historical insights and practical tools to shape future economic leaders. The accompanying curriculum provides lesson plans that foster discussion and critical thinking about economic empowerment.
- Policymakers and Social Activists: The lessons from Black Wall Street are more relevant than ever in shaping policies that promote economic justice and racial equality. This book offers historical context and modern strategies that can inform effective public policies today.
- General Readers Interested in American History: For those fascinated by the rise and fall of Black Wall Street, this book uncovers the hidden stories of success and resilience that are often overlooked in mainstream history.
How You Can Get Involved
- Purchase the Book and/or Curriculum: Whether you’re an educator looking for a classroom tool or a community organizer searching for inspiration, Black to the Future offers valuable insights. The curriculum is an excellent resource to deepen your understanding and apply the lessons to real-world scenarios.
- Join the Diverse Lit Dialogues Book Club: Our online community book club, Diverse Lit Dialogues, is a space where readers from all backgrounds can engage in meaningful discussions about the themes of the book. Together, we’ll explore how these lessons can be put into action to build stronger communities today.
About the Authors
Drs. LaRachelle Samuel-Smith and William H. Turner are passionate advocates for education, economic empowerment, and social justice. With decades of experience and deep insights into African American history, they have crafted Black to the Future as an essential guide for those committed to building a future where all communities thrive.
Join us in reclaiming this powerful history and working toward a more equitable tomorrow.
This is a book for all age groups looking to learn from history and make a difference in their community. Let’s explore the rich legacy of Black Wall Street and use it as a blueprint to create lasting change. Together, we can write the next chapter for economic and social justice.
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