Many Black men in the world live lives where they are voiceless, provoked, tormented, and harrassed throughout their childhood, into their most potent years, and beyond. It is important that we read and listen to their stories, and surround them with support while they traverse a discriminative world.
“Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider” by Stacy Spikes and “Lucky Me: A Memoir of Changing the Odds” by Rich Paul with Jesse Washington and a foreword by Lebron James reveal the extraordinary journeys of individuals who have defied the odds and rewritten their destinies, intertwined with the common threads of determination, tenacity, and the profound belief that the path to success is often marked by luck, but is always built on hard work and an unyielding spirit. These are stories that challenge and remind us that the journey from being an outsider to a trailblazer is a testament to the power of human resilience and ambition.
“Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider” by Stacy Spikes
Spikes’s narrative begins with the recognition of his outsider status, the realization that he didn’t conform to the traditional image of a tech entrepreneur. This initial feeling of not fitting in became the catalyst for his extraordinary journey, marking the birth of a true maverick. His experiences, from his early days as a film studio gopher to being named one of the Hollywood Reporter’s 30 Under 30, are a testament to his ambition and relentless pursuit of success. The core of “Black Founder” lies in Spike’s transformation from an outsider in the film industry to a trailblazing CEO and tech founder. His story is a testament to the belief that being an outsider can be a source of unique power, a fresh perspective, and a different way of thinking. Spikes defied all expectations, challenged the status quo, and created a path that was uniquely his.
“Lucky Me: A Memoir of Changing the Odds” by Rich Paul with Jesse Washington and foreword by Lebron James
The widely known story of Rich Paul’s serendipitous meeting with LeBron James at an airport, which led to a transformative partnership in the world of sports, is only the tip of the iceberg. “Lucky Me” offers an in-depth, enlightening look into Paul’s life, revealing the formative experiences that molded him into the individual he is today.
This memoir uncovers the many life lessons that Paul absorbed at his father’s corner store, a hub of frenetic activity in his neighborhood. It was in this setting that he honed his street smarts and built his initial enterprise. Despite his dreams of becoming a star athlete, it was the streets where he found his footing, creating a successful but precarious business. The narrative does not sugarcoat the challenges he encountered but rather highlights the gritty determination that enabled him to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and self-belief.