In the heart of Atlanta, a city well-known for Black excellence and success, lies a stark contrast that mirrors a broader, national narrative: the tale of two cities. On one side, a flourishing, thriving metropolis pulsates with opportunity, affluence, and culture; on the other, a shadow of economic disparity looms over Black Atlantans — many trapped in a cycle of poverty and others threatened with the possibility of social immobility. 

This duality isn’t merely geographical — it’s the manifestation of deeply ingrained systemic barriers that have historically marginalized our community. As President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), I stand on the front lines of this battle and critical juncture in our city’s history, armed with the legacy of luminaries like Herman J. Russell, C.D. Moody, Xernona Clayton, and many others, and fellow visionaries throughout the city who are committed to making a change. We are propelled by a relentless mission to catalyze Black prosperity through entrepreneurship.

Atlanta, celebrated as the Black Mecca, is at an inflection point. Despite its illustrious history of Black political and entrepreneurial prowess, the city is seemingly trapped by glaring economic inequities and the inability to facilitate true wealth-building among the Black community. The racial wealth gap in Atlanta isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a palpable divide that erodes the fabric of what we aspire to achieve as a community. 

At RICE, our response to this challenge transcends the mere acknowledgment of disparity. We are pioneering tangible solutions grounded in the belief that entrepreneurship is a potent tool for social change — a belief that was ignited in me in my youth as a young man riding my bike down the streets of Decatur, Ga. It was during a conversation with the local barber that I learned the power of building a business and growing it at scale as a vehicle for personal fulfillment and success. It’s then that I understood a vital lesson: entrepreneurship is more than a career path; it’s a mechanism for reclaiming our narrative, forging generational wealth, and creating community-driven impact.

It’s not at all lost on us that we are combatting a generational system of economic suppression. We are well familiar with the centuries-long pain of slavery and the failure of the government to ensure economic and civil safety for the formerly enslaved. We have rehearsed and are well aware of the intentional fear-based tactics of politicians and vigilantes to discourage African Americans from dreaming big or simply dreaming at all. 

We all feel the compounding effects of Black soldiers returning from World War II who were lauded as heroes only to find that the freedom they fought for abroad had not met them at home — as citizens and as veterans denied the benefits of the G.I. Bill. Even today, many entrepreneurs and hard-working Black middle-class Americans are seemingly shut out from the American dream due to housing discrimination. We are well familiar. But that’s not the narrative or the legacy we choose to claim as our own. We dare to dream bigger and equip our own to fulfill those very dreams.

The ethos of RICE is predicated on the conviction that when Black entrepreneurs are afforded access to opportunities, exposure, and a nurturing community, they don’t just survive; they excel. Our track record speaks volumes: 46% of RICE-Stakeholder businesses thrive beyond the startup phase. 72% of RICE Stakeholder businesses employ one or more people. The average rate among Atlanta’s Black-owned businesses is 4%. Our initiatives, such as the Big IDEAS learning platform, Retail Readiness Academy, and Supply Chain Accelerator pilots, are meticulously crafted to empower entrepreneurs not only with business acumen but also with the mental health and wellness support that is crucial for sustained success.  

Yet, the journey of Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta is often stifled by a metaphorical box with a glass ceiling — an invisible barrier that limits their potential and confines their aspirations. This box is not just a barrier to individual success; it’s a symbol of the systemic inequities that plague our community. At RICE, we are committed to dismantling this box and shattering the glass ceiling. 

Our approach is holistic, addressing the myriad obstacles that Black entrepreneurs face — from access to capital and procurement opportunities to fostering an environment of belonging and support. By forging partnerships with institutions like Truist, U.S. Bank/Elavon, and several others, we are not merely breaking down barriers; we are laying the foundation for a new paradigm of Black entrepreneurial success. It’s a game-changer.

Looking ahead, our vision for Atlanta is ambitious yet attainable: to cultivate a thriving ecosystem of 1,000 Stakeholder entrepreneurs, generate 3,000 new jobs, and inject $2 billion in new economic value into the Metro Atlanta region. This vision extends beyond economic indicators; it’s about altering the narrative for future generations of Black Atlantans, ensuring they inherit a city where opportunity is boundless and not dictated by the color of their skin.

Atlanta stands at a pivotal crossroads, with RICE firmly planted at its epicenter. We are the nexus of access, opportunity, exposure, and impact, steadfast in our mission to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Something extraordinary is unfolding in Atlanta’s Westside — a renaissance of Black entrepreneurship that promises to redefine the city’s future. It’s a clarion call to action for all Atlantans, irrespective of race or socioeconomic status, to contribute to this transformative movement. We are ground zero for Black excellence.

As we forge ahead, let us remember that the challenges we face are not insurmountable obstacles but catalysts for innovation and growth. Together, with unwavering dedication and collective effort, we can bridge the divide, creating a beloved community where Black prosperity is the norm, not the exception. It’s more than a mission; it’s a promise to our city, to our entrepreneurs, and to ourselves — a pledge to build a legacy of wealth, opportunity, and inclusion that will resonate for generations to come.

Farther, together.

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