An Invitation: “Black Books, Black Minds” Online Discussion Group

Thank you for your participation in our “Black Books, Black Minds” global book community. Through your readership, you are supporting the aim of igniting a new world of community, connection, and conversation, one book at a time. 

It is with this that I am excited to announce the relaunch of our “Black Books, Black Minds'' online discussion group. This group, exclusively for our member supporters,  is scheduled to commence on October 25, 2023. "Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires" will serve as our featured book for this inaugural meeting.

PS: If you are already a Monthly or annual paid member supporter then you’re in.

This epic read by author Shomari Wills offers a compelling look at the lives and achievements of six African Americans who defied incredible odds to attain great wealth during the Reconstruction era. 

Here's a summary of the book and why we’ve chosen “Black Fortunes” as our October selection. 

Summary:

"Black Fortunes" delves into the remarkable stories of six individuals: Mary Ellen Pleasant, Robert Church Sr., Hannah Elias, Annie Turnbo Malone, O.W. Gurley, and Madam C.J. Walker. Against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, they all  managed to rise from slavery to become some of the first Black millionaires.

The book provides a detailed account of each individual's journey, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and contributions to their communities. It explores the challenges they faced, including racial discrimination, economic barriers, and societal prejudices, and how they overcame these obstacles to amass wealth. It also delves into the unique industries they ventured into, such as real estate, beauty products, and insurance.

Throughout "Black Fortunes," Shomari Wills emphasizes the historical significance of these success stories, shedding light on the often-overlooked achievements of African Americans during a tumultuous period in American history. The book paints a vivid picture of the Reconstruction era and the complexities of race, wealth, and power during that time.

Why I Believe This Is a Good Reading Group Selection

Exploration of Hidden History: Black Fortunes" uncovers a lesser-known aspect of American history by highlighting the achievements of these six remarkable individuals. Reading and discussing their stories can offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by Black Americans in the post-slavery era and the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship.

Rich Discussion Topics: The book raises thought-provoking questions about race, economic empowerment, and social change. As a reading group, this will allow us to engage in discussions about the role of wealth in the struggle for civil rights, the impact of these individuals on their communities, and the relevance of their stories today.

Diverse Perspectives: Black Fortunes offers diverse perspectives, as it explores the lives of individuals from various backgrounds and industries. This diversity can lead to dynamic and multifaceted discussions within the reading group.

Relevance to Contemporary Issues: The themes of racial inequality, economic empowerment, and social justice addressed in "Black Fortunes" remain relevant in today's society. Reading groups can draw connections between the historical narratives in the book and ongoing conversations about racial equity and entrepreneurship.

Inspiration and Empowerment: The stories of these trailblazers serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment. Reading groups can explore how the lessons from the book can be applied to personal and collective goals, fostering discussions about ambition, resilience, and community impact.

In conclusion, "Black Fortunes" by Shomari Wills offers a compelling exploration of history and entrepreneurship, making it an excellent choice for our group to delve into a rich and often overlooked aspect of American history. Its themes, historical context, and inspirational narratives provide ample material for engaging and meaningful discussions within a reading group setting.

Become a “Black Books, Black Minds” member supporter today at $6.00/month or $60.00/year and receive access to our monthly online community discussions. Here you’ll join fellow readers from throughout the world for spirited dialogue and conversation about books that have made a mark on the Black lived experience. 

You can purchase "Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Escaped Slavery and Became Millionaires" by Shomari Wills through this link.