The African American Entrepreneur

African American entrepreneurship has been an integral part of the American economy since the 1600s. On the eve of the Civil War, the collective wealth of free blacks was approximately $50 million. In 2006, African Americans earned a whopping $744 billion, a figure that exceeds the gross domestic product of all but 15 nations of the 192 independent countries in the world. As W. Sherman Rogers ably demonstrates, African Americans have achieved these economic gains under difficult circumstances. Slavery, segregation, and legally limited access to property, education, and other opportunities have taken a heavy toll, even to this day. Besides providing a penetrating glimpse into the world of black entrepreneurship both past and present, this book urges African Americans to gain financial independence as entrepreneurs. Business ownership, Rogers argues, will bring security, wealth that can be passed to successive generations, and educated offspring with much greater earning power. The African American Entrepreneur: Then and Now explores the lower economic status of Black Americans in light of America's legacy of slavery, segregation, and rampant discrimination. It shines a light on the legal, historical, sociological and political factors that together help explain the economic condition of Black people in America from their arrival in America to the present. In the process, the book spotlights the many amazing breakthroughs made by Black entrepreneurs even before the Civil War and Emancipation. Profiles of businesspeople from the post-Civil War period through today include Booker T. Washington, pioneer banker and insurer A.G. Gaston, hair care entrepreneur Madame C.J. Walker, Ebony publisher John H. Johnson, Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson, publisher Earl Graves, music producer Damon Dash, rapper Sean Combs, former basketball stars Dave Bing and Magic Johnson, food entrepreneur Michelle Hoskins, broadcast personality Cathy Hughes, former Beatrice Foods head Reginald Lewis, Oprah Winfrey, and many more. As Rogers points out, reading about remarkable African American entrepreneurs can inspire readers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. To further that goal and help readers take the plunge, he outlines many of the skills, tools, and information necessary for business success-success that can help chart a new path to prosperity for all African Americans.

This second edition provides both a history of black entrepreneurship in America throughout all periods of American history and a roadmap that explains the steps that prospective entrepreneurs must take to achieve success in business. This second edition of The African American Entrepreneur explores the lower economic status of black Americans in light of America's legacy of slavery, segregation, and rampant discrimination against black Americans. The book examines the legal, historical, sociological, economic, and political factors that together help to explain the economic condition of black people in America, from their arrival in America to the present. In the process, it spotlights the many amazing breakthroughs made by black entrepreneurs even before the Civil War and Emancipation. Part One explores the history of African American entrepreneurs from slavery to the present; Part Two provides a primer and roadmap to success for aspiring entrepreneurs.

This guide is the ultimate tool for African Americans who really want to take charge of their lives. It gives step-by-step instructions on how to join the entrepreneur's winner's circle and has hundreds of resources as well as real-life biographies of some of America's leading African-American entrepreneurs.

"Should I lower my price point? Give my new product away for free online? How do I compete when my goods, services, or business model might be duplicated?" In this candid, 21st-century-savvy guide, Dante Lee illustrates how passion can become profit by addressing the questions that every businessperson needs to ask. Black Business Secrets discusses the entrepreneurial skills that African-American business owners must master in order to compete in a world where most new companies fail within three years. Whether you’re a weekend entrepreneur or a career-changing professional, Lee’s motto—"don’t be a worrier, be a warrior"—applies. From personal branding to best practices, this empowering blueprint offers surefire tips and strategies designed to ensure business survival and success.

Attention African American Entrepreneurs: Did you know most Black Owned Businesses FAIL within the FIRST YEAR? Are you unsure of how to efficiently establish, manage and grow your business? There are KEY PRINCIPALS you must learn so that your BUSINESS can thrive, "Black Entrepreneur Survival Guide" will teach you how to: 1. Develope the right team will ensure success. 2. Properly use social media to grow your business. 3. Attract the right clients/customers.. 4. Run your business professionally. 5. Brand your business. 6. Form the legal entity right for your business. 7. Efficiently market and sell your product or service.. 8. Network to grow your business and much more............... The book "Black Business Survival Guide" covers these topics and much more, with the proper preparation your business will not become another statistic. INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS today by purchasing your copy of "Black Entrepreneur Survival Guide"

African American entrepreneurs are key contributors to the American economy. Faced with numerous challenges, many African American entrepreneurs have learned to transcend tough obstacles, leverage resources, and strategically pursue opportunities to achieve business success. This book captures the stories and mindsets of contemporary African Americans in their quest for the American dream.

Black entrepreneurs can show kids of all ages how to achieve, not only in spite of obstacles, but very, very often, because of them! Wonderful stories of all types of successes and all kinds of ways to get there. Learn how starting at the bottom is a challenge, but no hindrance to making your way to the top of the business ladder. They may see how they can become business successes in today's world.

Beginning with a summary of 200 years of entrepreneurship among African Americans, then moving to in-depth interviews with contemporary entrepreneurs, Michael Woodard provides a powerful record of entrepreneurial vitality in a market that is often hostile and exclusive. The book covers businesses nationwide, representing diverse industries. Woodard ends on a practical note with resources and advice for anyone contemplating an entrepreneurial future.