The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers

In spite of obstacles, there are black households that have attained upper-class status and created intergenerational wealth. These families are often overlooked as the focus tends to be on wealth disparity, which is institutionalized in the United States. It may be surprising to learn that 25% make over $100,000/year, 37% make over $75,000/year, and 9-16% are upper-income households. 23% of black men are considered upper income.

This is the story of one family who got an early start on wealth creation. Under slavery, the elder was trained in construction and construction supervision. Some owners rented out their slaves for income, and some even allowed their slaves to earn some pay. The McKissack family is such an unusual story. It is a fascinating and often untold story of black success in the United States. However, this reader was expecting more. It would have benefited from focusing on the family’s journey and struggles. Photographs would have added another dimension. Instead, this book reads like a corporate brochure. In particular, the firm’s decision to move to a New York location despite Southern roots and success isn’t completely revealed. However, this is an important American family success story which may encourage other families to believe racist stereotypes and reveal stories of fellow Americans who work hard and succeed despite obstacles.