Black Capitalists: A Conversation with Rachel Laryea, PhD

Entrepreneurial Appetite LIVE: A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Laryea - "Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What Is Possible"

Event Description:

Join us for a thoughtful conversation that examines capitalism, wealth, and Black economic empowerment through a critical and scholarly lens.

Entrepreneurial Appetite is proud to present a live podcast discussion featuring Dr. Rachel Laryea, author of the groundbreaking book Black Capitalists: A Blueprint for What Is Possible. This virtual gathering will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and community builders for an honest, intellectually rigorous dialogue about reimagining capitalism as a tool for collective Black thriving.

About the Book

To many, the term "Black Capitalists" seems contradictory. Black people built the infrastructure of American capitalism through the violent enforcement of slavery, so can they—and should they—aspire to be its beneficiaries? Dr. Laryea poses a provocative question: What if there were a way to thrive within capitalism without diminishing someone else's life chances through exploitative practices?

Through compelling narratives spanning from Wall Street to Lagos, Dr. Laryea reveals how Black visionaries are reimagining capitalism to benefit Black people and, ultimately, everyone. Her book features original on-the-ground reporting and rigorous historical analysis, challenging readers to reconsider who gets to be the beneficiary of capitalism.

Meet Our Featured Guest: Dr. Rachel Laryea

Dr. Rachel Naa-Du Laryea is a thought leader specializing in race and money, ethical entrepreneurship, and social good. After working on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs, she pursued a dual PhD in African American Studies and Sociocultural Anthropology at Yale University. She is currently an Asset Wealth Management researcher at JPMorgan Chase, where she previously served as a racial equity investment strategist supporting the implementation of JPMorgan Chase's $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment.

Dr. Laryea is also the founder and CEO of Kelewele, a Brooklyn-based food service producing vegan, plantain-based treats. Her work has been featured in publications nationwide, and she is a recipient of the National Science Foundation Research Fellowship award.

www.rachellaryea.com

Special Guest Host: Lloyd Kuykendoll:

Lloyd Kuykendoll is the CEO and Founder of the L.E.A.D. Project (Leadership, Empowerment, through Advanced Development) and host of the Black Cabinet Education Podcast. A self-educated brother with an unwavering passion for Black books, Black history, and the Black experience, Lloyd brings revolutionary insight and deep knowledge to every conversation. As a dedicated Black History Instructor, he is committed to educating and spreading knowledge that empowers our community to understand our past and shape our future.

What to Expect

This live discussion will explore:

- How Black entrepreneurs can strategically use capitalism for social good

- The intersection of race, class, and wealth-building

- Practical strategies for creating generational wealth while uplifting communities

- The responsibility that comes with using imperfect economic systems to advance social justice

- Real stories from Wall Street to West Africa of Black innovators reimagining economic possibility

Why Attend?

Whether you're an entrepreneur, educator, student, or community activist, this conversation will:

✨ Deepen your understanding of capitalism's relationship with race

✨ Provide actionable insights for building sustainable Black businesses

✨ Foster meaningful dialogue and connection within our community

✨ Strengthen networks among individuals committed to Black economic empowerment

✨ Expand your thinking about collective prosperity and social good

About Entrepreneurial Appetite

Founded by Dr. Langston Clark, Entrepreneurial Appetite is a dynamic series of events dedicated to building community, promoting intellectualism, and supporting Black businesses. Through engaging podcast discussions, we create spaces where ideas flourish, connections deepen, and Black excellence is celebrated.

Catch up on previous episodes: https://eabookdiscussions.buzzsprout.com/