Review by Choice Review
Rogers (law, Howard Univ.) has written a book that is half historical analysis/overview and half pep talk and self-help guide. He begins by arguing that entrepreneurship can be a key factor in "the black quest of economic parity" and proceeds historically from the 1600s to the present in analyzing the opportunities and considerable constraints facing African American entrepreneurs. Throughout, the author pays close attention to key laws and legal rulings that once excluded blacks from running their own businesses. Along the way, Rogers provides glimpses of the careers of successful African American entrepreneurs including Madame C. J. Walker, A. G. Gaston, John Johnson, Robert Johnson, and Russell Simmons. Unfortunately, these glances are too brief and never allow the reader to see what made these entrepreneurs tick or how they solved problems and overcame barriers. Their experiences seem meant more as inspiration than as templates to be followed. Part 2 is a "primer for aspiring entrepreneurs" of all backgrounds and includes advice on various subjects, e.g., using intellectual property, creating a business's legal framework, building a business plan, raising capital, and dealing with taxes. For a more scholarly treatment, see Juliet Walker's The History of Black Business in America (2nd ed., CH, May'10, 47-5124). Summing Up: Recommended. General readers and lower-division students. R. M. Whaples Wake Forest University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
