Entrepreneurship is a challenging but rewarding endeavor, and for many people, reading the stories and advice of successful entrepreneurs can be an excellent way to learn and gain inspiration. For African and African American entrepreneurs, several books stand out as precious resources.
- “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro – This book is a comprehensive guide to building wealth, focusing on the strategies and mindset of successful Black entrepreneurs. Kimbro interviewed over 100 Black millionaires to gain insight into their financial habits and philosophies, and the book is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.
- “The Black Entrepreneur’s Guide to Success” by Melvin J. Gravely II – This book is a step-by-step guide to starting and growing a successful business, focusing on the unique challenges that Black entrepreneurs face. Gravely shares his experience as a successful entrepreneur and provides actionable advice on everything from developing a business plan to raising capital.
- “The Power of Broke” by Daymond John – Daymond John is the founder of the clothing brand FUBU and a Shark Tank investor, and in this book, he shares the lessons he’s learned on his journey to success. John argues that starting a business with limited resources can be an advantage. He provides practical advice on turning a lack of capital into an opportunity to be creative and resourceful.
“Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success” by Steve Harvey – Steve Harvey is a comedian, television host, and successful entrepreneur, and in this book, he shares the lessons he’s learned on his journey to success. Harvey emphasizes the importance of developing the right mindset and habits for success and provides practical advice on overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.
“Black Faces in White Places” by Randal Pinkett, Jeffery Robinson, and Philana Patterson. This book is written by a group of successful African American entrepreneurs and business leaders and provides practical advice for achieving success in the business world. The authors share their stories and provide a roadmap for breaking through barriers and achieving success as a minority entrepreneur. They also discuss the importance of mentorship, networking, and finding allies to help you succeed.
- “The Rise of African American Businesses: Black Businesses in America during the Age of Segregation” by Juliet E. K. Walker. This book is a comprehensive history of African American entrepreneurship, tracing the development of Black businesses from slavery to the present. The author, Juliet E. K. Walker, is a leading expert on African American business history and provides an in-depth look at the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the past and present. This book is a valuable resource for any entrepreneur looking to understand the historical context of African American entrepreneurship.
- “The Entrepreneurial Process in Africa” by Erastus E. O. Ojuka. This book is written by a leading expert on African entrepreneurship and provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs on the continent. The author covers cultural influences, market opportunities, and government policies and offers practical advice for starting and growing a business in Africa.
- “African Entrepreneurship: A Study of Successes” by Peter E. Muruka. This book studies successful entrepreneurs in Africa written by Peter E. Muruka. The author examines the strategies and tactics used by these entrepreneurs and draws lessons that can be applied to other businesses. He covers various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, and provides valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing African entrepreneurs.
These books are just a starting point; there are many other valuable resources for entrepreneurs. However, these books are written explicitly for African and African American entrepreneurs and provide practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to start or grow a business.
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.