We are currently reading, “The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires” by Dennis Kimbro, in book club. He highlights past millionaires such as Madam C.J. Walker and O. W. Gurley along with current millionaires such as Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey (they are actually both billionaires now). This made me want to look up a lesser known billionaire and shine the spotlight on him for this post.
I specifically chose a current black billionaires because I believe it is more of an encouragement than black millionaires from back when slavery was just ending. To be a millionaire in the 1800s was unheard of. Our spoiled, pampered butts can’t even imagine, much less relate to the dedication and hard work it would have taken to be successful in that era. It is encouraging to know that black people succeeded in a time that was specifically set up for them to fail. Unfortunately, it is not as relatable.
My black fact centers around David Steward. Once again, someone I have not heard of. Mr. Steward is the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology (WWT). He is the second highest earning black billionaire in America. Mr. Steward borrowed $2000 from his father to start his first business auditing and reviewing freight bills and overcharges for the rail industry in 1984. He was familiar with the rail industry from his time working in sales and marketing at Missouri Pacific Railroad.
Mr. Steward started his tech company, WWT, in 1990 with his own savings, struggling in the beginning as is common for a good amount of businesses. He began to partner with the federal government supplying computer hardware and software and he has grown WWT to a company that makes over $12 billion dollars in sales.
Mr. Steward is also the author of 2 books, “Doing Business by the Good Book” and ” Leadership by the Good Book”. Here are a couple sites to read more about David Steward.
https://horatioalger.org/members/member-detail/david-l-steward
https://www.wwt.com/profile/dave-steward
I’m going to be honest, I still can’t relate 😆. Not because I do not think it is possible for me, but because I don’t think I want to be a billionaire. Now, if it happens, I won’t be upset. More money, more people I can help. I definitely want to be a millionaire. I want the freedom money brings and the ability to feed into people while I am here and when I am gone. Come on millionaire idea, 🎲, this girl needs a house on the water 😆. Seriously, I hope you have been enjoying my black facts so far. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚