Each year, I write or release thoughts on what Black history means. Occasionally, I find myself a guest at an organization, speaking on the topic. But this year, I want to take a step back—not just to reflect, but to refocus.
For the last ten years, I’ve been writing about shared economic progress—a simple yet powerful idea. If our cities, regions, and states are growing, if our corporations and organizations are expanding, then more people—whether they live in rural towns or urban centers—should get a piece of that growth. The key word here is shared. Growth should create opportunity, not just for a few, but for all, based on their effort and contribution. I believe in fair access to opportunity, no matter where you live or what you look like, should be what drives us forward.
As I thought about Black History Month, I wanted to recenter the discussion around the principles that have made Black people successful throughout history—the fundamental values that, if we double down on them, will ensure our continued success. That’s where the 10 Black Commandments of Shared Economic Power come in. These aren’t abstract theories or research-heavy ideas. These are practical.
They come from experience, from lived history, from what was passed down to me and so many others.
Think about it—what was the focus of Black people during slavery? They wanted to be seen. They wanted dignity. They wanted freedom. After slavery, during Reconstruction, what did Black people demand? They wanted land. They wanted equal protection under the law. They wanted the right to vote. Black leaders of the time debated fundamental strategies, but they largely agreed on three things: education, healthcare, and employment. They weren’t focused on creating permanent dependence; they wanted interdependence. They wanted to build, to own, to sustain. The very origins of the Black-led institutions we recognize today—whether churches, schools, or community organizations—were rooted in the idea of equipping people to stand on their own.
And here’s something critical: Black people understood the power of the political process. Just as it was political action that helped win freedom, they knew it would be political action that would preserve it. Did you catch that? Even in the face of relentless resistance—whether it was the KKK, Black Codes, or Jim Crow laws—Black leaders remained focused. The systems of oppression kept evolving, attempting to create, as someone once said, a “permanent underclass.” But the systems never broke the people.
What has sustained Black people throughout history is the understanding of these core principles—principles passed down like family jewels from generation to generation. If you stop and think about it, even the poorest households held onto these values. There was always an uncle, an auntie, or a neighbor talking about some version of these jewels.
I remember back when I was finishing up my first graduate degree, watching the movie Baby Boy. In the 2001 film, Omar Gooding’s character, Sweetpea, has a conversation with Jody (played by Tyrese Gibson). Jody breaks down the world into buyers and sellers, explaining that those who succeed are the ones selling something—creating, producing, generating. He points out people around him hustling and tells Sweetpea, “You see that? They selling. You buying. That’s why you broke.” Even in some of our most outlandish movies, there were seeds of the family jewels—messages about ownership, economic power, and self-sufficiency.
And these are the same principles I’ve tried to teach my own children. These are the principles I have fought for, the ones I have seen make a difference in people’s lives. The 10 Black Commandments of Shared Economic Power aren’t just words, they are a blueprint for empowerment, success, and lasting legacy.
Over the next month, I will release several blog posts to share more of my simple, not academic, but very practical insights on the 10 Black Commandments for shared economic prosperity. Take heed, my people.
- Thou Shalt Own Property and Land
- Thou Shalt Engage Politics (Local, Not Just National)
- Thou Shalt Be Educated
- Thou Shalt Own and Support Black Businesses and Black-Led Enterprises
- Thou Shalt Work Hard and Work Smart
- Thou Shalt Be Present in the Lives of Our Children
- Thou Shalt Pass Down Knowledge, Assets, and Wealth
- Thou Shalt Be Financially Mindful and Diversified in Investments
- Thou Shalt Be Networked and Empower Others in Corporate Spaces
- Thou Shalt Be Faithful and Establish the Loving God as Our Foundation
#BlackWealth
#EconomicEmpowerment
#SharedProsperity
#GenerationalSuccess
#BlackExcellence
Orvin Kimbrough is chair and CEO of Midwest BankCentre