This past weekend, I had the profound honor of receiving the Candle Award at Morehouse College’s Candle in the Dark Gala, a celebration of leadership, service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. But for me, this recognition isn’t about looking back—it’s about looking forward.
As Entrepreneur Scholar-in-Residence at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and a proud Board of Trustees member, I have the privilege of working with some of the brightest young minds in America. These students are not waiting for permission to succeed—they are actively preparing to lead. They don’t ask for handouts. They put in the work.
Black History is Black Futures
We honor Black History not just by remembering the past, but by investing in the future. At Morehouse, at Clark Atlanta, and at HBCUs across the country, students are equipping themselves with the knowledge, skills, and resilience to build businesses, create wealth, and drive change in their communities.
They understand something deeply ingrained in their lived experience: to succeed, they must often be twice as good and work three times as hard just to have the same opportunities. It’s an unfair reality—but it has never been an excuse, nor should it ever be.
Inclusive Economics is America’s Competitive Advantage
Some would argue that economic empowerment programs and financial literacy initiatives are about giving something away. That’s a fundamental misunderstanding.
Inclusive economics isn’t a handout—it’s an investment in America’s future.
The times of greatest economic prosperity in America have always come when opportunity was expanded, not restricted. When more people have access to capital, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, we all win:
- More businesses start → More jobs are created.
- Financial literacy spreads → Credit scores rise, capital becomes more accessible.
- Black wealth grows → America’s economy grows.
That’s why Operation HOPE, our 1 Million Black Businesses Initiative (1MBB), and Financial Literacy for All (FL4A) are not just social programs—they are economic strategies designed to create real, measurable impact.
The Standard of Excellence
At every level of life and leadership, excellence must be the standard. It is not a temporary effort; it’s a commitment to showing up every day with purpose, skill, and determination.
So the question is:
- How are you ensuring that your work reflects excellence?
- How are you making sure that your personal and professional brand tells a story of impact and leadership?
- How are you pushing forward, not just for yourself, but for the collective success of our communities and our nation?
Because if history has taught us anything, it’s this:
Excellence isn’t optional. It’s the only way forward.