Book Review: Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills

Shomari Wills’s Black Fortunes tells the incredible true stories of the first six African Americans who rose from slavery to become millionaires in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Through detailed storytelling, Wills brings to life the struggles and triumphs of remarkable people like Mary Ellen Pleasant, Robert Reed Church, Annie Turnbo-Malone, Madam C. J. Walker, Hannah Elias, and O. W. Gurley. Each of them faced extreme racism, threats, and setbacks, but they found ways to succeed through business, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

The book is more than just a history lesson—it highlights the courage and creativity it took for Black men and women to build wealth during a time when the odds were stacked against them. Wills also shows how their achievements laid the foundation for future generations of Black business leaders.

One of the strengths of the book is how it mixes history with personal stories, making the struggles and victories feel real and emotional. Wills’s writing is vivid and filled with detail, so readers can imagine the harsh realities of the past while also being inspired by the determination of these pioneers.

Overall, Black Fortunes is inspiring, educational, and eye-opening. It shows that even in the face of oppression, people found ways to rise above and change history. This book is an important read for anyone interested in African American history, entrepreneurship, or powerful stories of perseverance.