Black Capitalists

“Told through a fascinating blend of history and an extraordinary personal journey, Black Capitalists is a thought-provoking exploration of how Black innovators are re-envisioning entrepreneurship. The path forward that Dr. Rachel Laryea lays out is truly singular and inspiring.”—Marcus Samuelsson, award-winning chef, restaurateur, and author of Yes, Chef“Indispensable and riveting, Black Capitalists is a solution-oriented addition to the debate on economics and Black liberation. Thorough and informed, Dr. Laryea offers a pathway forward that is perfect for our current moment.”—Michael W. Twitty, author of The Cooking Gene“Dr. Laryea takes on the taboo subject of Black folks using ‘the master’s tools’ to support our people and illuminates the change that takes place when it happens.”—Majora Carter, author of Reclaiming Your Community“Black Capitalists is a timely, thought-provoking intervention that challenges our understanding of capitalism’s relationship with race.”—Cynthia Gordy Giwa, founder of Black-Owned Brooklyn“With a nuanced perspective, Dr. Laryea presents Black Capitalism not as an individual pursuit, but as a pathway to shared prosperity, offering a blueprint for sustainability and generational wealth.”—Renae Bluitt, Creator and Executive Producer, She Did That“With sharp analysis and a global lens, Dr. Laryea interrogates capitalism’s evolution and asks whether it can be reimagined as a tool for collective Black thriving.”—Janice Gassam Asare, author of Decentering Whiteness in the Workplace“An honest, unflinching engagement with modern-day capitalism, its harms, and its promise, Black Capitalists is creative nonfiction at its very best.”—Rachel Godsil, Distinguished Professor of Law, Rutgers University, and Cofounder of Perception Institute“Black Capitalists is the story of unique individuals, innovators, and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. Dr. Laryea’s personal story reflects grit, resourcefulness, and determination to succeed against the odds.”—Joe Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group and founder of Tsai CITY“Dr. Laryea shares powerful examples of ways in which Black Capitalists are driving change and elevating communities in the United States and across Africa.”—Giuseppe “Seppy” Basili, executive director of the Jack Kent Cooke foundation“Black Capitalists asks what changes about contemporary capitalism when practiced while being Black. This is a powerful book staging an important conversation.”—Kathryn Lofton, author of Consuming Religion“Black Capitalists is more than a book—it’s a mirror, a map, and a call to build. Dr. Rachel Laryea stitches together history and ambition, showing us that wealth is not just about accumulation but about transformation.”—Alloysius Attah, CEO of Farmerline, Partner of Fund7“Dr. Laryea redefines, reimagines, and repositions Black Capitalism in a way that sparkles, inspires, and intrigues—a must read.”—Keith Errol Benson, GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Sr. Fellow, Harvard University“Perceptive… . Laryea imbues her probing character portraits with a measured outlook on capitalism. This provides food for thought.”—Publishers Weekly

Dr. Rachel Laryea cut her teeth on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs before pursuing a dual PhD in African American studies and sociocultural anthropology at Yale University. Her ethnographic research aims to understand nuanced forms of Black participation in capitalist economies. Rachel has held appointments at NYU Stern Business School and is currently a Wealth Management researcher at JPMorganChase. Prior to her current role, Rachel was a racial equity investment strategist, supporting the strategic implementation of the JPMorganChase $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment in service of closing the racial wealth gap for Black, Latino, and Hispanic communities. Rachel is also the founder and CEO of Kelewele, a plantain-inspired food startup based in Brooklyn, New York.