Capitalism is a financial system that gives individuals freedom to advance economically through hard work and enterprise. The promise of freedom and opportunities to better one’s life is the magnet that continues to draw so many to American shores and borders. But what truly makes America amazing is capitalism balanced with compassion that is revealed through philanthropy. The United States despite it’s economic challenges is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and consistently ranks among the world’s top givers according to Charities Aid Foundations, World Giving Index (WGI). 19th century industrialists : Andrew Carnegie, founder of Carneige Steel, William Wrigley, founder of chewing gum giant, the Wrigley Company and Milton Hershey of Hershey Chocolate Company were i n c r e d i b l y,   n o t o r i o u s l y  -in a good way-   g e n e r o u s. Andrew Carnegie in particular believed that with wealth comes the responsibility to help others improve their lives. During his lifetime Andrew Carnegie used his wealth to support schools, museums, libraries, and churches both local and abroad. After providing for his wife and family he left the bulk of his wealth to institutions and encouraged his contemporaries to do the same. Carnegie’s genuine concern about the gap between rich and poor was the impetus for equipping others with the knowledge to attain wealth and success. He solicited Napoleon Hill to interview hundreds of leading businessmen and professionals from all walks of life to understand the common denominator that led to their accomplishments. Napoleon Hill compiled what he learned into the timeless classic "Think and Grow Rich" still widely read and recommended in business circles today.

Advancements in technology have placed business owners in the unique position of being able to do what they love while earning a living. Those who scale their business into enterprises that earn vast sums can make a difference for themselves, their families, communities and beyond.

As a Christian I know man’s greatest need is for salvation—the forgiveness of sins that only trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can bring. But scripture is equally clear about the importance of meeting physical needs. What we leave on this earth will not last but what we do for Christ and others lasts into eternity. Regardless of our economic status we can use the skills, gifts, talents, abilities, and resources we have to be a blessing to someone, somewhere. Understanding that wealth is a gift from God that can be used for the benefit of others may shape how and what we choose to invest in. Black CEO and President of Silicone Valley Community Foundation, Emmet Carson said “The wealth and socioeconomic state of blacks is higher than it’s ever been before,” “but our community is dying.” Praise God for the examples of black entrepreneurs past and present who’ve used their wealth and influence to improve the lives of others through their generosity and philanthropy. It’s in this context we’ll give the word “Notorious“ a positive makeover :

Bob Marley, Reggae musician and an entrepreneur once said “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” Marley’s family has since grown an enterprise from the artist's legacy that contributes to charities. Bob Marley’s son Rohan Marley said in an interview "My father was the first entrepreneur in the family. He started his own record label, his own restaurant. He knew that, in order to give something back to the people, he had to create. You can’t be no philanthropist, no Warren Buffett, unless you make something first."

Oprah Winfrey is a phenomenal example of a notoriously generous human being. She has given an estimated $300 million to various organizations and causes encouraging others to donate to charities leading by example.

Magic Johnson now a savvy businessman, strategically establishes businesses in urban Black and Latino neighborhoods bringing revitalization, "touching lives and helping a community get back on it’s feet" is integral to his work. Read more here.

Regional F. Lewis, Earl Graves, Sheila Johnson, Russel Simmons, Micheal Jackson—your name can be among these. God is the source of all wealth, He will NEVER run out and the more you give the more you'll have to give Luke 6:38. Money will not eliminate the moral and social issues facing our communities but used properly it can improve the quality of life and existence of our fellow man. Read Matthew 25:31-46 to learn what God says about giving and it's eternal consequences.

God Bless You

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