For years, one question has resurfaced in business circles, classrooms, barbershops, and entrepreneurial communities: “Who was the first Black billionaire in America?” Many people immediately think of Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), who became a billionaire in 2001 after the company’s sale to Viacom — and who was later listed by Forbes as the first Black American billionaire. But the full story goes deeper, and it begins long before Johnson stepped onto the Forbes list. To understand America’s first Black billionaire, you have to understand context, timing, and what it means to measure “billionaire status.” And that brings us to a name many still don’t know: Reginald F. Lewis — The First to Build and Lead a Billion-Dollar Company In 1987, Reginald F. Lewis acquired TLC Beatrice International Foods for $985 million, transforming it into the first Black-owned company to surpass $1 billion in annual sales. That milestone alone is groundbreaking. Lewis didn’t inherit wealth. He didn’t benefit from generational business networks. He didn’t have doors swung open for him by powerful families or institutions. He built — and he built big. His acquisition strategy, legal brilliance, and global business vision shattered ceilings Black entrepreneurs had been told would never break. TLC Beatrice became a multinational powerhouse with operations across the U.S. and Europe, proving that Black leadership was not only capable on the world stage — but could dominate it. Lewis passed away in 1993, but his legacy continues today through his family’s philanthropic work, including programs like All Star Code, opening pathways for young men of color in technology. Yet Lewis never appeared on the Forbes billionaire list. Why? Because billionaire status isn’t just about size — it’s about timing, valuation, liquidity, and public reporting. Which leads to the next chapter. Robert L. Johnson — The First Black American to Appear on the Forbes Billionaire List

Today, take a moment to stand still and consider. While driving to Virginia for the holidays I was blessed with this beautiful rising of the sun. “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God" is a powerful line from the Bible, specifically Job 37:14, encouraging awe and reflection on divine power and creation. It's a call to pause, look beyond immediate problems, and recognize God's presence and wisdom in the natural world, like the balancing of clouds, lightning and the sunrise.

I have an infatuation with studying how successful entrepreneurs rose to the height of their success. I think you will enjoy this one as much as I did. I'd like to introduce to some, maybe reintroduce to others Angelica "Angie" Wandu, the CEO and founder of The Shade Room, where she discusses the origins and tumultuous growth of her multi-million dollar black media empire. Wandu had a difficult childhood in Los Angeles, including the murder of her mother by her father and subsequent years in foster care, which instilled a fierce sense of hustle and resilience that she attributes partly to her Nigerian heritage. This is business case study was so compelling and powerful, I created a course for you... "FROM EVICTED TO MEDIA EMPIRE". Available NOW in CLASSROOM! Share your comments 👇🏽

Most people are taught to chase income. Wealthy people chase ownership. That difference changes everything. Here’s the real game: 1. Income ≠ Wealth High income can still mean broke. Wealth = assets + cash flow + time. 2. Ownership is the cheat code Jobs pay once. Assets pay repeatedly. Businesses, equity, real estate, IP → that’s the focus. 3. Assets vs Liabilities Ask this before spending: 👉🏽 Does this put money in my pocket or take it out? If it only takes… it’s not helping you build wealth. 4. Debt isn’t bad — ignorance is Wealthy people use debt to buy income-producing assets. Average people use debt to buy stuff. 5. Taxes are planned, not reacted to The wealthy structure income before it’s earned. Most people just hope for a refund. 6. School trained employees, not owners Wealth education comes from: - Mentors - Experience - Books - Networks Not classrooms. 🔥 Action Steps (Start Today) => Track your net worth, not just income => Redirect ONE expense toward an asset => Study ONE asset class for the next 90 days => Invest before you spend => Ask better questions: “How can I structure this?” Community Question: What’s the first asset you’re focused on building or buying? Drop it below 👇🏽

Who knows Byron Allen? I’ve followed him for years. At the beginning of the month, I had the pleasure of watching Charlamagne Tha God conduct an in-depth interview featuring media mogul Byron Allen at the 2025 HOPE Global Forums in Atlanta. It was an honest, candid conversation between two media influencers. Who is Byron Allen? A billionaire media entrepreneur and founder of Allen Media Group. Charlamagne Tha God is a well-known radio and media personality. The discussion took place on a major stage, where business leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs gather to share insights on leadership, success, and economic empowerment. The Key Themes Discussed 1. Byron Allen’s Journey & Early Life Byron Allen discusses his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a media titan. He recounts formative childhood experiences, like moving to Los Angeles and being exposed to television production early on — influences that shaped his career ambitions. His mother’s work in television helped him gain early access to the entertainment world. 2. Business Lessons & Success Mindset Allen shares major entrepreneurial lessons: - Authenticity & Reputation Matter:He emphasizes that credibility is more valuable than having millions of followers or superficial metrics — your reputation is your most important asset. - Business is a Contact Sport:He stresses that relationships, human interactions, and strategic networking are core to business growth. - Overcoming Doubt and Obstacles:Allen discusses early setbacks — like getting fired from roles or being underestimated — and how those moments fueled his drive to succeed. 3. Financial Perspective & Capital In the talk, Allen conveys that success isn’t just about access to capital — your hustle, ideas, and value creation matter more, and strong reputation attracts resources more reliably than chasing funding alone. 4. Broader Cultural and Media Impact The conversation also touched on: - representation in media, - the importance of ownership (especially in Black media spaces), - and the evolution of the media landscape.