I Am Black Wall Street
by Doni Glover

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is no simple feat. For Black entrepreneurs in America, the challenges are amplified. But drawing inspiration from the resilient ancestors who thrived even in the face of adversity, Glover equips aspiring business minds with the drive to overcome any hurdle.

While numerous accounts detail the poignant history of Tulsa’s renowned Black Wall Street, Doni Glover takes a unique approach by unveiling the story behind the story. How did the Black community find their way to Oklahoma? What forces and leaders guided their journey? Glover’s exploration reveals that the entrepreneurial spirit of Black Wall Street was not an isolated phenomenon, but the culmination of a 500-year legacy of freedom colonies.

I Am Black Wall Street challenges mainstream narratives, spotlighting lesser-known slave uprisings spanning the Western Hemisphere from South America to Spanish Florida. Glover dives deep into the chronicles of maroon colonies, sanctuaries for escaped slaves across Venezuela, Mexico, the Caribbean, and even the US. Here, the saga of Black Seminole Chief John Horse comes alive, showcasing his heroism as he led his community on the arduous Trail of Tears journey to Oklahoma and beyond. Additionally, the contributions of abolitionist John Brown and Exoduster leader "Pap" Singleton shine light on Kansas as a sought-after refuge for countless Black individuals escaping the brutalities of the Deep South.

Glover’s central message resonates powerfully: If our ancestors could establish freedom colonies and erect thriving Black Wall Street communities in the 1800s, then modern Black entrepreneurs certainly possess the capability to launch and nurture successful businesses. As the world evolves, entrepreneurship emerges as an increasingly attractive pursuit. The rise of Black women-led startups is a testament to this shift, leading the national entrepreneurial charge.

Essential reading for anyone seeking a fresh historical perspective, I Am Black Wall Street not only enlightens but also empowers the next wave of entrepreneurs. It serves as a reminder of the robust legacy on which they stand a heritage marked by pioneers who seized control of their destinies. The essence of this book embodies the spirit of the ORIGINAL Black Wall Street SERIES and the Joe Manns Awards. Under the banner of BmoreNews.com and its esteemed partners, the series has celebrated over 1,700 Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and their cross-racial supporters.