Black To The Future

Black to the Future: Lessons from Black Wall Street for Community and Economic Prosperity
     Discover the blueprint for building lasting wealth, leadership, and community resilience—rooted in one of America’s most powerful yet overlooked success stories.
     Whether you know the name Black Wall Street or are hearing it for the first time, this book will change how you see Black entrepreneurship, migration, and community building forever.
     In Black to the Future, Dr. LaRachelle Samuel-Smith and Dr. William H. Turner take you deep into the thriving Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma—a place where Black business pioneers and neighbors created one of the most self-sufficient, prosperous communities in U.S. history.

The Untold Story That Still Shapes Our Future
     “Go West!” may not be the phrase you associate with the post-Civil War Black migration. Yet, that’s exactly what many did—building towns, schools, and thriving business districts like Greenwood.
     By the early 20th century, Greenwood—better known as Black Wall Street—was home to flourishing businesses, banks, schools, and healthcare facilities. These achievements came from people only decades removed from the era of slavery, proving the power of ownership, collaboration, and vision.

Why This Story Matters Today
     This is more than history—it’s a blueprint.
     In these pages, you’ll discover:
     -Proven principles of entrepreneurship and leadership that apply to today’s MWBEs, nonprofits, and mission-driven entrepreneurs.
     -Community wealth-building strategies still relevant for addressing modern economic gaps.
     -Leadership lessons rooted in cultural pride, education, and cooperative economics.
     Whether you’re a small business owner, an educator, a policy advocate, or simply someone invested in a more prosperous and equitable future—this book is for you.

What You’ll Learn
     -How the economic structure of Black Wall Street fueled self-reliance and generational wealth.
     -The role of education, land ownership, and business networks in community resilience.
     -Actionable takeaways for applying these strategies to your business, organization, or community project today.

Praise for Black to the Future
     “A timely reminder that our future is built on the wisdom and strategies of those who came before us.” – Educator, Houston, TX
     “This book doesn’t just tell you what happened—it shows you what’s possible.” – Small Business Owner, Tulsa, OK

Order Your Copy Today
     The lessons are timeless, but the opportunity to act is now.
     Whether you want to build your business, strengthen your community, or simply understand the power of ownership and collaboration—Black to the Future will inspire and equip you.
     Start building your legacy today.

About the Authors
LaRachelle Samuel-Smith, PhD is the Founder and Managing Director of Table SALT Group, a Houston-based strategy and impact consulting firm dedicated to legacy, leadership, and economic empowerment. A leadership strategist, educator, and community development advocate, Dr. Samuel-Smith helps mission-driven businesses, nonprofits, and institutions translate vision into measurable outcomes. Her work integrates research, innovation, and ancestral intelligence with modern technology to equip communities with tools for growth, sustainability, and equity.

William H. Turner, PhD is a noted scholar, historian, and author specializing in African American communities in Appalachia and the American South. With decades of groundbreaking research and publications, Dr. Turner brings an intergenerational lens to community and economic development, connecting history to modern challenges and opportunities.

Together, Dr. Samuel-Smith and Dr. Turner combine practical strategy with historical insight to illuminate lessons from the past while equipping readers and organizations to shape thriving, sustainable futures.

-- LaRachelle Samuel-Smith, PhD and William H. Turner, PhD