The Three Pillars of Wealth: Building Stronger Black Communities
Wealth isn’t created by chance—it’s built through knowledge, discipline, and a willingness to invest in the future. For generations, many of us in the Black community have worked hard, but often our hard work hasn’t translated into wealth. That’s because most jobs only pay enough to cover the bills.
Real wealth comes from ownership—owning stocks, real estate, and businesses. These are the three pillars of wealth.
1. Stock Investing
Stocks create wealth over time, not overnight. The earlier you start, the better your results. I once read about Warren Buffett investing just $128 in a single stock. He never added another dime to that investment, yet over time it grew into more than $350,000. That’s the power of compound growth.
Investing allows your money to work for you—even while you sleep.
2. Real Estate Ownership
The average one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,600 a month. Over ten years, that adds up to $192,000—money that went into someone else’s pocket, building their wealth, not yours.
Owning property means you’re investing in yourself, not just paying for a place to stay. Property ownership provides security, potential income, and a foundation for future generations.
3. Business Ownership
Business owners rarely do all the physical work themselves; they build systems and employ others. Owning a business gives you control, independence, and the ability to create jobs within your community.
All three pillars—stocks, real estate, and business—give you options. And options create freedom.
It’s time we start seeing through the illusion of wealth that comes from material things. Driving a European car, wearing large chains, or buying designer clothes doesn’t build wealth. I say that not to judge, but because I once did the same.
Those items lose value the moment we buy them, while investments grow in value over time.
According to Dr. Claude Anderson, we must first learn to work together and trust each other. In his book PowerNomics, he outlines a blueprint for economic growth in the Black community. He stresses the importance of developing a code of conduct, supporting Black-owned businesses, and building our own institutions—just as other cultures do.
When we circulate our dollars within our community, we strengthen ourselves.
It’s time to stop being consumers and start being producers.
We must educate ourselves, our children, and our neighbors about how wealth is truly built. With the right mindset, unity, and consistent effort, we can create thriving communities that benefit us all—now and for generations to come.
To Inspire, Inform, Encourage, and Empower others!!!!!
Marvin Dixon/Founder
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