Junius George Groves built a fortune farming potatoes, but he didn’t stop there. He went on to hire an all-Black workforce, build all-Black golf clubs, and sell plots of land to Black people seeking to leave the South and build wealth. But how exactly did he go from enslavement to successful, conscious entrepreneurship?
#1: He worked to educate and perfect a skill he loved.
While enslaved, he labored as a farmer. He grew his knowledge about agriculture and focused on becoming an EXPERT on everything potatoes.
#2: As his wealth grew from farming, he used his dollars to create more than one stream of income for his family.
Groves opened a small general store, purchased stocks in different companies, and invested in a bank. He also networked by joining and creating professional organizations relevant to his potato farms and stores.
#3: He spread the wealth to others.
Groves didn’t sit on his money. He hired Black workers to run his potato farms and stores, helped buy and redistribute land to other Black people, and opened an all-Black golf course!
Like Groves, we must never be afraid to use our interests to flourish. We must invest in ourselves. Entrepreneurship – with a focus on uplifting our people – always creates personal AND community wealth, and we all benefit!