Beyond the Bottom Line: Celebrating Black Business
Recommended Reading & Films
Beyond the Bottom Line: Celebrating Black Business Through Books and Film
August marks National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and elevating the achievements, challenges, and lasting impact of Black entrepreneurs across industries. While meaningful brand support and economic equity must be practiced year-round, this month offers a timely opportunity to engage more deeply with the stories behind the businesses. The following books and films provide insight into the lived experiences, innovative strategies, and cultural contributions of Black business leaders past and present offering not only inspiration, but a call to action for more inclusive economies and narratives.
Books
1. No One Is Self Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life by Lakeysha Hallmon (2024)
This thoughtful blend of memoir and strategy offers a compelling look at the ecosystem required for sustainable success. Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, founder of The Village Market, makes the case that collaboration, intentionality and trust are the bedrock of thriving Black-owned businesses. Through personal reflection and practical frameworks, she reframes entrepreneurship as a community-led endeavor rooted in wellness and equity.
2. The Least Likely Millionaire: How to Succeed When Everyone Expects You to Fail by Jonathan Beskin (2023)
From mental hospital to millionaire. Everyone told Jonathan Beskin that his ideas would never work, his business would never succeed, and he would be a failure. He endured bullying and abuse from family, peers, teachers, and even doctors, but refused to believe them. Discover the secret of leaning into a “healthy obsession” to fuel your quest for greatness as real-world examples and key strategies motivate you to keep going.
3. Who Better Than You?: The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big by Will Packer (2025)
Hollywood producer and entrepreneur Will Packer shares a candid playbook on owning space, telling your story and operating with audacious vision. Equal parts inspiration and instruction, this book encourages readers to disrupt narratives of limitation by embracing what Packer calls “healthy arrogance”, a mindset rooted in preparation, creativity and bold belief. His stories are laced with humor, insight and strategic lessons for any brand builder or aspiring business owner.
4. Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What Is Possible contributors: Various (2025)
This forward-looking anthology presents a curated collection of essays, case studies and interviews with contemporary Black entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders. From community banking to tech innovation, the book offers replicable models and frameworks designed to accelerate equity, build generational wealth and reshape industry norms. It serves as both a strategic guide and a call to action for those committed to inclusive capitalism and self-advancement.
5. Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street (by George E. Johnson (2024)
This long-awaited memoir documents his journey as founder of Johnson Products, the first Black-owned company listed on the American Stock Exchange. The story charts the rise of a cultural empire built on purpose, discipline and integrity. With rich context and sharp insight, Johnson explores how brand loyalty, market knowledge and values-first leadership transformed Afro Sheen from a single product into a generational legacy.
Films
1. Sinners (2025, HBO Max)
Sinners is a supernatural horror film set in 1930’s Mississippi. Two brothers relocate in order to escape a troubled life and work together to open and run a Juke Joint. In running their business, they are faced with many new issues, beliefs and evils.
2. Black Barbie: A Documentary (2023, Netflix)
Directed by Lagueria Davis and produced by Shondaland, this film chronicles the journey behind Mattel’s first Black Barbie. It centers on the entrepreneurial courage of Black women at Mattel who drove the project and explores the doll’s broader impact on representation, industry dynamics, and brand equity. Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix since June 2024.
3. Distilled (2024, Prime Video Docuseries)
Director-producer Jesse Williams shines a spotlight on Black-owned spirits brands navigating market challenges—from land ownership and legacy to funding and distribution. This series showcases real entrepreneurial resilience and the strategic stakes of launching brands in competitive industries. Where to watch: Premiered August 2024 on AMC+.
4. Almanac North – “Black Entrepreneurs” Episodes (2025, PBS)
This locally produced PBS series includes dedicated episodes—airing in early 2025—that profile Black entrepreneurs in Minnesota, featuring hands-on stories about small business growth, innovation, mentorship and community connection. Where to watch: Stream on PBS.org or the PBS App.
5. Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (2025, Hulu/Disney+)
Though centered on music icon Sly Stone, this Questlove–directed documentary delves deeply into brand building, cultural entrepreneurship, and the pioneering business mechanics behind his rise. It provides lessons on innovation, legacy, and leveraging influence to transform markets. Where to watch: Streaming on Hulu and Disney+ since February 13, 2025.
These books and films offer rich insights into how Black entrepreneurs—from local business owners to cultural icons—create, scale and sustain ventures. Each story highlights both strategy and spirit, making them valuable resources for teams, students or communities exploring Black-led innovation and enterprise.