In the heart of Atlanta, a city well-known for Black excellence and success, lies a stark contrast that mirrors a broader, national narrative: the tale of two cities. On one side, a flourishing, thriving metropolis pulsates with opportunity, affluence, and culture; on the other, a shadow of economic disparity looms over Black Atlantans — many trapped in a cycle of poverty and others threatened with the possibility of social immobility. 

This duality isn’t merely geographical — it’s the manifestation of deeply ingrained systemic barriers that have historically marginalized our community. As President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), I stand on the front lines of this battle and critical juncture in our city’s history, armed with the legacy of luminaries like Herman J. Russell, C.D. Moody, Xernona Clayton, and many others, and fellow visionaries throughout the city who are committed to making a change. We are propelled by a relentless mission to catalyze Black prosperity through entrepreneurship.

Atlanta, celebrated as the Black Mecca, is at an inflection point. Despite its illustrious history of Black political and entrepreneurial prowess, the city is seemingly trapped by glaring economic inequities and the inability to facilitate true wealth-building among the Black community. The racial wealth gap in Atlanta isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a palpable divide that erodes the fabric of what we aspire to achieve as a community. 

At RICE, our response to this challenge transcends the mere acknowledgment of disparity. We are pioneering tangible solutions grounded in the belief that entrepreneurship is a potent tool for social change — a belief that was ignited in me in my youth as a young man riding my bike down the streets of Decatur, Ga. It was during a conversation with the local barber that I learned the power of…