This book takes the reader on a journey through the history of thriving Black business districts across the United States, from the Greenwood District in Tulsa to Sweet Auburn in Atlanta and Bronzeville in Chicago. Author Woody Clermont recounts their origins, their rise, and the deliberate forces that brought them down, whether through racial violence, redlining, or highway construction. Beyond its historical context, the book pivots toward the future. It lays out a detailed framework for rebuilding economic power, including the call for a Black stock exchange, the use of AI for empowerment, and policies to ensure wealth creation that can last. It is both a historical record and a forward-looking manual, blending storytelling with strategy.

I found myself deeply moved while reading. The writing has a clear rhythm, direct and unpretentious, almost like a conversation with someone who refuses to give up hope. The stories of Tulsa, Rosewood, Overtown, and Hayti broke my heart. These communities built so much from so little, only to see it wiped away. I could feel the injustice in my chest, but I also felt admiration for the resilience. Clermont’s framing of each city through metrics like business density, land ownership, and cultural vitality made the past feel real and measurable. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was proof that prosperity was built, and proof that it can be built again.

The vision of a Black stock exchange is bold and inspiring. I caught myself wondering how much of this could really be implemented, given the political and financial climate of today. Still, the conviction in Clermont’s words carried me through those doubts. The chapters on AI as a leveling tool stood out. They challenged me to stop seeing technology as something distant or threatening, and to instead think of it as a weapon for independence. That shift in tone, from history to possibility, was what kept me turning the pages with real excitement.

I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about history, justice, and the power of ownership. It’s not just for economists or scholars. It’s for community leaders, young entrepreneurs, and even everyday readers who want to understand the depth of what was lost and the potential for what could be regained. If you’ve ever wondered how to make lasting change, this book offers both the reasons and the roadmap.

Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0FPB4HKHR