Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, esteemed entrepreneurs, and dreamers,

I stand before you today, inspired by a powerful quote from the great Mark Twain:

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

Let this wisdom remind us that to build our legacy, to create generational wealth, and to forge a sense of belonging, we must first take action.

It’s no secret that we, as African American men, face unique challenges in the world of business.

But we must not allow these challenges to stifle our ambition or hinder our progress. Instead, let us use our struggles as fuel to ignite our entrepreneurial spirit and drive us to achieve greatness.

In the Book of Proverbs, it says,

“Where there is no vision, the people perish”

(Proverbs 29:18). Our vision, brothers, is to create a future where we not only survive but thrive. A future where we harness our ambition to build businesses that uplift our families, our communities, and ourselves.

Generational wealth is not just about the dollars in our bank accounts.

It’s about the knowledge we pass on, the opportunities we create, and the doors we open for those who come after us. It’s about making a lasting impact and leaving a legacy that will echo through the ages.

I’m reminded of a powerful urban proverb:

“Each one, teach one.”

This wisdom calls on us to share our knowledge, our experiences, and our successes with one another. As we embark on our entrepreneurial journeys, let us remember the importance of uplifting our brothers, of building a community where we all belong, and of creating a collective force for change.

Brothers, the time for action is now.

Our families depend on us to provide, to pave the way for a brighter future. In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). So, let us not grow weary in our pursuit of success. Let us harness our ambition, our determination, and our unbreakable spirit to create a better tomorrow for ourselves and our loved ones.

In the world of business, there’s an acronym called AIDA, which stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action. Let us apply this to our lives as African American male entrepreneurs. First, grab the attention of the world with our bold ideas and unwavering passion. Then, spark interest by demonstrating our skills, our expertise, and our dedication to excellence. Next, create a desire for change, for progress, for a brighter future. Finally, and most importantly, take action. Remember, the secret of getting ahead is getting started.

So, brothers, let us rise up today and take that first step.

Let us embark on our entrepreneurial journeys with courage and determination, fueled by our ambition and the knowledge that we are not alone. Together, we can build generational wealth, create a sense of belonging, and leave a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

As we go forth, let us keep in mind the words of the Psalmist, who said,

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path”

(Psalm 119:105). May we be guided by our faith, our ambition, and our unwavering belief in our own potential. Brothers, the time to act is now.

Let’s get started.