Black to the Future: Lessons from Black Wall Street for Community and Economic Prosperity

Discover the blueprint for building lasting wealth, leadership, and community resilience-rooted in one of America's most powerful yet overlooked success stories.

Whether you know the name Black Wall Street or are hearing it for the first time, this book will change how you see Black entrepreneurship, migration, and community building forever.

In Black to the Future, Dr. LaRachelle Samuel-Smith and Dr. William H. Turner take you deep into the thriving Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma-a place where Black business pioneers and neighbors created one of the most self-sufficient, prosperous communities in U.S. history.

The Untold Story That Still Shapes Our Future

"Go West!" may not be the phrase you associate with the post-Civil War Black migration. Yet, that's exactly what many did-building towns, schools, and thriving business districts like Greenwood.

By the early 20th century, Greenwood-better known as Black Wall Street-was home to flourishing businesses, banks, schools, and healthcare facilities. These achievements came from people only decades removed from the era of slavery, proving the power of ownership, collaboration, and vision.

Why This Story Matters Today

This is more than history-it's a blueprint.

In these pages, you'll discover:

• • Proven principles of entrepreneurship and leadership that apply to today's MWBEs, nonprofits, and mission-driven entrepreneurs.
  • Community wealth-building strategies still relevant for addressing modern economic gaps.
  • Leadership lessons rooted in cultural pride, education, and cooperative economics.

Whether you're a small business owner, an educator, a policy advocate, or simply someone invested in a more prosperous and equitable future-this book is for you.

What You'll Learn

• • How the economic structure of Black Wall Street fueled self-reliance and generational wealth.
  • The role of education, land ownership, and business networks in community resilience.
  • Actionable takeaways for applying these strategies to your business, organization, or community project today.

Praise for Black to the Future

"A timely reminder that our future is built on the wisdom and strategies of those who came before us." - Educator, Houston, TX

"This book doesn't just tell you what happened-it shows you what's possible." - Small Business Owner, Tulsa, OK

Order Your Copy Today

The lessons are timeless, but the opportunity to act is now.

Whether you want to build your business, strengthen your community, or simply understand the power of ownership and collaboration-Black to the Future will inspire and equip you.

Start building your legacy today.

About the Authors

LaRachelle Samuel-Smith, PhD - Founder of Table SALT Group. Leadership strategist and community development advocate with a passion for economic empowerment.

William H. Turner, PhD - Scholar and historian of African American communities in Appalachia and the American South.