For more than 500 years, African Americans living in the United States have experienced various struggles and challenges, including slavery, persecution, inequality, and racism. Unfortunately, poverty comes into play. A large proportion of blacks are more likely to live in poverty than any other ethnic group, and only one in five African-American households are considered millionaires.
However, in the postmodern and highly globalized 21st century economy we live in, change seems to be on the horizon. More wealthy black people than ever have become millionaires today, and most of them call America home. Thanks to a shift in mindset, entrepreneurship, and strong connections within the Black community, this group of wealthy people of color has thrived in the face of adversity and transcended institutional racism in America.
The number of affluent black Americans is increasing across the country and has doubled in the past 25 years, especially in the “black mecca” cities of Atlanta, New York (Harlem), Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Interestingly (and refreshingly) they don’t fit the stereotype of wealthy African-Americans who are categorized as athletes, musicians, artists or actors. This new black upper class is made up of entrepreneurs, real estate developers, realtors, and community advocates who persevered and demonstrated the leadership qualities that made them successful.
This emerging class of affluent is the focus of “America’s Black Upper Class: Wealth, Success, and Empowerment,” which follows four members of the black community who currently embody the qualities of “Black excellence”—who are not only personally and independently wealthy, But you will also continue to give, give back and uplift the Black community.
Don Peebles is one of the wealthiest and most powerful businessmen in America. He is a $700 million real estate developer affectionately known as “Black Trump.” His working-class background prepared him well for the role, buying his first building at 22 and earning his first million at 30.
Psyche Terry is a successful entrepreneur who built a cosmetics empire from the ground up. She is a sought-after philanthropist and a mainstay of Dallas associations and philanthropic activities.
Successful real estate agent Tahlia Diaz Brown closed another sale in Atlanta, Ga., and threw a Thanksgiving party at the trendy club. Invite other successful community members to network and even form partnerships.
Finally, activist and advocate Maggie Anderson pushed the Buy Black movement. She believes now is the time for the black community to support each other and encourage African-Americans to patronize black-owned businesses and services, products and banks. Likewise, Shareef Abdul-Malik is determined to create a “black Amazon” where all products come from black companies.
Directed by: Agathe Soleranski
