It’s a phrase I hear all too often: “They never taught me that in school about Black history.” As an educator, author, and advocate, I understand the frustration behind this sentiment. Black history is not just about recounting past struggles; it’s about understanding a legacy of resilience, innovation, and empowerment that continues to shape our present and future.
This gap in education inspired me to research the history and write, Black to the Future: Lessons from Black Wall Street for Community and Economic Prosperity and host the upcoming New Year, New Vision event. Both are designed to give the knowledge, tools, and community support that are often missing from traditional education. If you’ve ever felt like you were denied access to this critical knowledge, here are 10 reasons why reading Black to the Future and attending New Year, New Vision will empower and inspire you.
Ten Benefits of Reading Black to the Future and Attending the New Year, New Vision Event
1. Learn the Untold Stories of American History
Black to the Future dives into the rich history of America’s Black Wall Street and other communities of Black excellence that traditional textbooks often overlook. The New Year, New Vision event will amplify these lessons through expert speakers who bring these stories to life.
Takeaway: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and ingenuity that shaped Black communities throughout history.
2. Understand the Principles of Economic Empowerment
From wealth-building strategies to financial literacy, the book and event offer actionable insights into creating sustainable economic opportunities. Learn how Black Wall Street thrived and how its lessons apply today.
Takeaway: Discover how to build generational wealth and strengthen community economies.
3. Reclaim Agency Over Your Narrative
Too often, Black history is told from the perspective of struggle rather than triumph. Black to the Future reframes the narrative, focusing on empowerment and progress, while the event offers a platform to discuss these themes.
Takeaway: Empower yourself and your community by reclaiming ownership of your history and future.
4. Gain Practical Tools for Leadership and Legacy-Building
The book outlines steps for creating a lasting legacy, while the event’s workshops provide actionable strategies to turn those lessons into reality.
Takeaway: Leave with clear, measurable goals for building a personal or community legacy.
5. Connect with Like-Minded Change-Makers
At the New Year, New Vision event, you’ll meet educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who share your passion for creating positive change. This is your opportunity to network and collaborate.
Takeaway: Build relationships that can amplify your impact and extend your reach.
6. Equip Yourself with Knowledge to Pass On
The gap in Black history education doesn’t have to continue. Both the book and the event equip you with knowledge you can share with students, colleagues, and future generations.
Takeaway: Become a steward of knowledge, helping others understand and appreciate Black history.
7. Learn to Build Ownership in All Forms
Whether it’s property, intellectual assets, or leadership roles, ownership is central to empowerment. These concepts are explored in depth in Black to the Future and through interactive event sessions.
Takeaway: Walk away with specific strategies for achieving ownership in your personal and professional life.
8. Address the “They Never Taught Me That” Gap
The event and book fill the gaps left by traditional education by exploring topics like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community collaboration that are critical for success.
Takeaway: Gain the education you didn’t receive in school but always knew was essential.
9. Be Inspired by Real-Life Success Stories
Both the book and event highlight stories of Black resilience and achievement, providing inspiration and practical lessons you can apply in your own journey.
Takeaway: See how others have overcome systemic barriers to achieve remarkable success—and learn how you can, too.
10. Leave Empowered to Take Action
The knowledge you gain from Black to the Future and New Year, New Vision is designed to be transformative. It’s not just about learning—it’s about doing.
Takeaway: Feel equipped and motivated to take actionable steps toward building a better future for yourself and your community.
From “They Never Taught Me That” to “Look What I Learned”
It’s time to stop waiting for someone else to tell our stories. Reading Black to the Future and attending New Year, New Vision, will not only help amplify what they never taught you in school—you’ll gain the tools to make sure future generations are never left in the dark.
Let’s close the gap in education and build a legacy of empowerment, one story and one action at a time.
📖 Order Black to the Future
🎟️ New Year, New Vision