They promised 40 acres and a mule. They gave it. Then they took it back.

Between 1950 and 1966, 6 million acres were stolen from Black Farmers. Not lost. Stolen. Through USDA discrimination, imminent domain, and the most sinister strategy of all: Flooding 110+ Black cities and turning them into lakes, parks, and highways.

York Hill became a lake. Seneca Village became Central Park. Greenwood. Rosewood. Orville. Vanport in Oregon. Towns across Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, New York—110 documented Black cities put underwater to reclaim land that Black people had made fertile and prosperous.

This episode breaks down the systematic land theft timeline:

Lincoln's promise: 40 acres to 18K formerly enslaved families in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. These families rotated crops so brilliantly they out-yielded white farmers with minimal tools. Two years later, a Confederate Apologist president re-nigged the deal and took it all back.

Enter sharecropping: The exact same land. The exact same labor. But now with debt structures designed to keep Black Farmers perpetually owing more than they earned. Vagrancy laws made it illegal NOT to work—refusal meant prison labor for free.

Then came the USDA: White farmers got 100% funding in 30 days. Black Farmers got 50% funding in 387 days. When you get capital in 1/10 the time, you win 9 times out of 10. The Scott Family in Mississippi crushed it anyway—catfish farming, crop rotation mastery—until the 1997 Black Farmers lawsuit won $2 billion.

Fast forward to 2026: Governor Wes Moore, the ONLY Black Governor and Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, is disinvited from the Governor's Association dinner he coordinated. John Boyd Jr., 4th-generation Black Farmer, told the administration is "moving away from DEI and the Black Farmer."

00:21 - Black History Month Continues

00:45 - Obama Monkey Meme

02:05 - Tone Deaf Racism

03:27 - Super Bowl Discourse

07:27 - Andrew Jackson Energy

08:43 - Logan Brothers Dialogue

11:31 - BHM Proclamation Update

13:42 - Boom Your Business

18:26 - Chaos Equals Opportunity

18:56 - Governor Wes Moore Slighted

27:33 - Wealth Transfer Now

30:06 - Unsustainable Housing Model

31:03 - Real Estate History

31:42 - Diagnosis Not Victimhood

32:02 - Opportunity Zones Hijacked

37:05 – Origin of 40 Acres & a Mule

39:13 - Crop Rotation Genius

42:37 - First Black Millionaires

43:21 - Sharecropping Era Begins

49:55 - Plantation Owner Statistics

54:54 - John Boyd Jr Slighted

56:23 - Black Cowboy Lifestyle

59:52 - Stock Exchange Origins

1:01:08 - 110 Black Cities Underwater

1:03:44 - Buckhead Separation Campaign

1:06:00 - Bad PR Evolution

1:12:12 - Quarter One Progress Report

Same pattern. Different PR strategy.

Jesse announces Boom Your Business launching March 13 at Caffeinated Cow, driving quantifiable traffic to Black-Owned Businesses, building the constituency that defends Black Business Month when politicians vote it down.

They stole the land. We're building wealth anyway.

Join operators: https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates

Each one, teach one.

The house is on fire. And if you're waiting for permission to care, you've already lost.

Earl breaks down the brutal financial history most people will never learn: How insurance companies like Lloyds of London built their empires on Black bodies treated as cargo. How enslaved people weren't just "cotton pickers" but blacksmiths, engineers, ironworkers, and carpenters whose liberty was insured, not their lives, because that was "sinful" so their FREEDOM became the insurable commodity that funded American capitalism.

The Zong Massacre of 1781: 131 enslaved people thrown overboard in shackles because the insurance payout for "lost cargo" was more profitable than keeping them alive.

Fast forward to 2026: Renee Good murdered. Alex Pretty executed in the street after being disarmed, sparking 2nd Amendment debates while ignoring the cold-blooded killing. FBI raids seizing voter rolls in Georgia. Pam Bondi threatening Minnesota: "Give us your voter rolls or we won't draw down our 3K federal forces."

The timeline? 10 years. 2016 to 2026. The same amount of time it took from WWI to WWII and the rise of the Third Reich. Nazi officials studied Jim Crow to create apartheid. This isn't hyperbole, this is pattern recognition.

00:25 - Black History Month

00:57 - City Council Vote

03:31 - Mayor Yemi Reelection

11:12 - Beaten Into Submission

12:03 - Channeling Rage

0:17:17 - Numbers Don't Lie

20:15 - Bookkeeper Function

21:53 - CPA Role

24:13 - CFO Function

26:21 - Work Harder Myth

28:04 - CFO Deep Dive

28:43 - Tax Attorneys

30:16 - IRC Size

36:01 - Insurance History

40:37 – Enslaved, Not Slaves

45:45 - Zong Massacre

55:48 - Dehumanization Dangers

58:01 - Caste System

1:01:07 - Renee Good

1:01:47 - Alex Pretty Execution

1:03:40 - Voter Roll Seizure

1:05:54 - House On Fire

The financial education piece saves this from being pure rage:

Jesse breaks down the roles most Business Owners confuse: Bookkeeper (categorizes transactions), Accountant (trained in GAAP), CPA (tax compliance referee), CTBA (proactive tax planning), CFO (growth strategist analyzing margins and book value). Each role is distinct. Each is essential. Confusing them costs you money and keeps you from building the wealth needed to fight back.

Earl explains why insurance is essential to wealth building despite its brutal origins. How 401k tax bombs destroy generational wealth. Why the stretch IRA elimination is costing families hundreds of thousands. How aligned wealth planning, tax strategy + business growth + personal wealth + estate planning is the ONLY path to economic sovereignty.

You'll discover:

• The insurance history Wall Street doesn't teach (and why you need coverage anyway)
• Why your CPA only studied 3K of the 70K-page tax code
• How to channel rage into constructive action at the local political level
• The dehumanization timeline from 1781 to 2026 and what comes next
• Why financial literacy isn't optional when the house is burning

This isn't inflammatory. This is survival. When you stay ready, you don't have to get ready.

Join Operators taking action: https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates

Each one, teach one. The work starts now.

The next three quarters are already decided. The global power players met at Davos, plotted the economic moves, and made decisions that will influence everything you know, your business, your community, your wealth trajectory. And while they were reshaping supply chains and establishing new trade agreements, you were probably arguing about celebrity drama in the comments.

This is the wake-up call.

Jesse and Earl break down what actually happened at Davos and why America's "loud and wrong" positioning on the world stage is accelerating the collapse. Canada's Prime Minister traveled to China to establish direct trade agreements while the US applied tariffs. The US dollar is losing its position as the reserve currency. Africa is emerging as the next major consumer and producer base with every natural resource the modern world needs.

The contrarian mindset piece hits different: Jesse shares how his natural opposition to status quo led him to solve a client's hiring crisis by accommodating a master technician who could only work 30 hours every other week. While every other company disqualified this candidate, JB structured a deal that benefits the company's goals—because limitations aren't disqualifiers when you think like an owner, not a technician.

Earl delivers the alignment framework that separates wealth builders from wannabes: Goals mean nothing without standards and habits. Everybody wants to be healthy and wealthy—but can you celebrate the disciplines instead of just the results? Can you make 200 dials and get two sales without complaining? This is where operators are forged.

The book critique segment is mandatory listening: Why people wielding 48 Laws of Power at Taco Bell are completely missing the point. Why Rich Dad Poor Dad is a phenomenal introduction but a terrible endpoint. Why the Fire Movement is teaching people to be broke twice—hyper-funding retirement to live on tiny income while calling it "freedom."

00:00 - Opening Disclaimer

00:26 - Davos Overview

03:07 - Nations Want Money

05:41 - Macro-Economic Games

07:19 - World Order Shifts

10:18 - Africa Rising

12:52 - Community & Mindset

17:30 - Contrarian Nature

19:36 - Client Hiring Challenge

24:19 - Accommodating Quality Talent

27:37 - Alignment Principles

30:09 - Goals vs Standards

34:29 - Intentional Goals

36:42 - Testing Entrepreneurial Spirit

51:07 - Social Media Soup

01:08 - Mindset Resources

02:44 - Summary & Action

03:46 - Closing Remarks

You'll discover:

• The contrarian hiring framework that turns "limitations" into competitive advantages
• Why goals without standards are just wishes (and how to build both)
• The social media algorithm trap keeping you distracted during economic realignment
• Which business books are keeping you stuck at your current level

This isn't motivation. This is pattern recognition from operators who structure businesses assuming the US dollar could collapse because historically, currencies crash and dynasties fold.

Stop scrolling. Start building. Join operators making real moves at https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates

Each one, teach one. Time to get to work.

This episode pulls no punches.

Earl breaks down why the biggest economic collapse since 2008 is happening RIGHT NOW, while the mainstream media isn't saying a word. For 61 consecutive months, the bond market has been moving backwards. Warren Buffett dumped 100% of his Apple stock. Major banks are quietly failing and if you think 2008 was bad, this powder keg has 11 different time bombs stacked on top of each other. But here's what separates this episode from your typical doom-and-gloom podcast: we're giving you the playbook for what to do about it.

Jesse explains why small Business Owners can't afford to ignore AI anymore while corporations are shedding jobs and going lean. Earl reveals why international real estate opportunities in places like Dubai and Ghana are wide open for Americans who see the writing on the wall, and both hosts break down the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling that just made racial profiling legal for immigration enforcement, along with what that means for economic mobility in your community.

You'll also discover:

• Why the "big short" is happening again (and how to position yourself before it crashes)
• The AI literacy gap that's about to wipe out traditional small businesses
• How virtual assistants and offshore talent create leverage without payroll taxes
• Why fame is a trap and wealth is built in the shadows
• The "no complaining" rule that separates operators from pretenders

00:40 - We Really Do This

03:42 - Rebellious Spirit

08:24 - Working IN Business

12:38 - Tax Recapture Plans

14:31 - Business Systems Everywhere

17:35 - Big Short Explained

22:04 - Bond Crisis

24:12 - Powder Keg Warning

24:44 - Supply Chain Games

25:20 - Apple's China Mistake

27:16 - Innovation Decline

28:35 - Antitrust Shutdown

30:49 - Small Business Power

31:44 - AI Apocalypse

33:36 - Unlearn to Relearn

36:22 - Supreme Court Ruling

40:22 - Targeting Specific People

42:41 - America's a Sinking Ship

43:13 - International Opportunities

47:39 - Collective Buying Power

49:11 - Distraction Traps

50:03 - Muse vs Amusement

53:37 - Social Strategy

56:07 - Confidence vs Arrogance

57:32 - No Complaining Rule

59:24 - Fame vs Wealth

1:00:22 - Bond Exposure Check

1:04:51 - Closing Disclaimer

This isn't theory. This isn't motivation porn. This is two operators breaking down macro-economics, Supreme Court decisions, and global supply chain shifts while actively scaling enterprises.

Fair Warning: If you're looking for someone to tell you everything's going to be okay, this ain't it. But if you're ready to see the chessboard clearly and make moves while others are distracted on TikTok, this episode is required listening.

Join the movement. Head to https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates and become part of a community that's done talking and ready to build. No fluff. No gurus. Just Business Owners and Investors helping each other win.

Each one, Teach one. That's how we grow.

Space Command leaving Colorado Springs. Tuskegee Airmen memorabilia removed from the Air Force Academy. Opportunity zones created for Black communities now 92 percent controlled by others. What do all these have in common? Access.

Ice Cube said it best when reporters asked about the greatest barrier for Black entrepreneurs. His answer: access to capital. Black owned companies must show profits in 8 to 14 months while their counterparts get 52 months to figure it out. We have to move differently because we do not have five years to perfect the formula.

WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS

👉🏾Space Command relocation and its economic impact on Colorado Springs

👉🏾Why Tuskegee Airmen history removal creates counterculture movements

👉🏾Opportunity zones and how resources get redirected away from intended communities

👉🏾Ice Cube breaking down access to capital barriers

👉🏾InvestFest critics proved wrong as 25K attended with zero incidents

👉🏾Robert F Smith being from the 719 and conscious capitalism in action

👉🏾Platos allegory of the cave applied to financial enlightenment

👉🏾Muse versus amusement and why entertainment is the enemy of greatness

👉🏾Vertical integration explained through real client examples

👉🏾Arbitrage simplified so anyone can understand wealth building

👉🏾Why average people in financial services make 7 figures through different conversations

Jesse presented on the behalf of the Black Chamber of Commerce on Access to Capital. Teaching entrepreneurs to build verticals that insulate businesses from outside forces.

Earl Harden from Tax Erasers turned a bartender from Applebees into a million dollar producer three years running. Proving the right conversation changes everything.

THE REALITY CHECK: A 2053 report projects average Black net worth hitting zero. Since that report dropped we got Earn Your Leisure, The Asset Class, Trappers Anonymous and forces rising up saying you thought it was a game.

Community is how we win. It takes a village.

While Cardi B court cases compete for attention spans, these political and economic matters impact generations of our lineage. If you pay attention it pays dividends.

00:10 Space Command Politics

01:12 Economic Defense Shift

03:42 Tuskegee Airmen Removed

06:11 Community Raises Children

07:04 Attention Span Competition

08:10 Platos Cave Allegory

10:46 Nonprofits Over Taxes

11:35 Dollars Are Votes

12:22 Opportunity Zone Failures

14:16 Access Drives Narratives

15:40 Media Controls Emotions

17:18 InvestFest HELL YEAH!

19:58 Proximity Brings Opportunity

22:51 Black Chamber Presentation

23:29 Robert Smith Colorado

24:23 Conscious Capitalism Defined

28:01 Conversations Create Pathways

30:21 Building Business Verticals

31:42 Vertical Integration Example

32:52 Plain Language Matters

34:17 Arbitrage Made Simple

35:53 Community Invitation Extended

37:12 Muse Versus Amusement

40:38 Self Discipline Accountability

42:28 Team Accountability Standards

44:50 Client Retention Analysis

45:40 Earning Your Success

This is not a soundbite. This is a community. If these conversations resonate you found yourself a home. Join the Community of Classmates building access together.

https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates

Proximity to greatness creates opportunity. Sometimes winning is just being in the right area. You definitely got to show up.

LIKE SUBSCRIBE SHARE

Car repossessions at all-time highs. Credit card debt through the roof. Housing unaffordable. 2027 economic contraction is coming—are you positioned to survive it?

🔥 JOIN THE COMMUNITY: https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

✅ Why $5K InvestFest VIP beats $300 general admission

✅ 2027 preparation strategies (tax recapture, business credit, international investing)

✅ Dubai real estate at $125K-$250K, Ghana condos at $180K

✅ Tax recapture programs turning past payments into investment capital

✅ Business credit strategy (0% APR vs 50% merchant cash advances)

✅ Grant Cardone's investment framework

✅ The 5-person networking challenge

THE 2027 WARNING: Ian Dunlap: 2027 brings significant economic contraction. If you're merely surviving now, when 2027 hits, it's game over.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction to InvestFest

01:47 - Neglecting Self-Investment

04:05 - Building a Legacy

05:54 - Preparedness in Business

07:35 - Profit Margin Management

10:48 - Sales Background Insights

12:43 - Investing in Dubai

15:34 - Creating Wealth Opportunities

17:35 - Grant Cardone's Investment Advice

20:00 - Tax Distribution Strategies

22:07 - Forms of Leverage

24:32 - Global Economic Perspectives

27:40 - Understanding Money Flow

30:31 - Client Preparation Strategies

33:57 - Client Meeting Insights

📱 SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN:

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5R48eqppl3nOM3b4o8EpnT

🎧 Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-asset-class/id1868271006

🎧 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8ead326f-8ca3-45c1-a5b0-2909643735ec

🎧 iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-asset-class-316794136

KEY TOPICS: Three Forms of Leverage (Time, Money, Systems + Taxes) • Recognition > Commission • Magic Johnson at InvestFest • $125K pitch competition grants • International diversification strategies

💬 JOIN: https://www.theassetclass.us/classmates

Where business ownership meets generational wealth. No fluff—just frameworks positioning you for 2027.

👍 LIKE | 🔔 SUBSCRIBE | 📤 SHARE

#TheAssetClass #InvestFest #BusinessCredit #InternationalInvesting #TaxStrategy #WealthBuilding #EconomicPreparation

You're bringing in over a half a million dollars in revenue but still answering the phone, driving to job sites, and doing work that pays $15/hour. Sound familiar? This is the episode that breaks the cycle.

The $15/Hour Trap (And How to Escape It): Here's the reality: if you're the CEO working the front desk, updating spreadsheets, or driving employees to job sites, you're not building a business, you're buying yourself a job that pays way less than you're worth.

In this episode, we expose a Growth Framework that separates overwhelmed Solopreneurs from Business Owners experiencing true freedom:

✅ The 40-Hour Rule - If you have 40+ hours of productive, delegatable work, you're leaving money on the table every single week you delay hiring

✅ The Dialogue Process - Document your day-in-the-life activities to identify what ONLY you can do versus what's stealing your time at poverty wages

✅ The 80% Standard - Stop waiting for perfect employees. When someone can do a task 80% as well as you, delegate it and move to $1,000/hour activities

✅ Passenger Seat Productivity - Real case study: One simple role switch (employee drives, owner works) recovered 15+ hours weekly without spending a dime

✅ From Compliance to Ownership - The culture shift that turns employees from order-takers into innovators who bring YOU solutions

✅ Why Goals Give Suffering Meaning - How intentionality transforms the grind from soul-draining hustle into $300K investment accounts

The Mindset Shift Nobody Talks About: 60% of scaling is mindset. 40% is systems. We break down both.

Jesse reveals why business ownership parallels parenthood: your business is your baby, which is exactly why you helicopter-parent it into mediocrity. The same control that helped you survive as a solopreneur now suffocates growth at scale.

Earl exposes the micromanagement trap through John C. Maxwell's brutal definition: "The work you do to run away amazing talent, leaving your business gutted because of ego, fear, and lack of professionalism."

What You'll Walk Away With:

🎯 A framework for identifying when you're ready to delegate (it's probably yesterday)

🎯 How to set expectations that create ownership culture, not just robotic compliance

🎯 Why "getting it out the mud" without intention keeps you running in place for decades

🎯 The trust structure strategy that protects assets while eliminating personal liability

🎯 How to move from Robert Kiyosaki's "self-employed" quadrant to true "Business Owner"

Real Stories. Real Systems. Real Results.

This isn't theory from someone who's never done it. Jesse literally rebuilt his entire approach to business development after landing in a new city with zero connections. Earl works with mom-and-pop shops doing $700K/year all the way to multi-million dollar portfolios—same frameworks, different scale.

You're Overwhelmed Because:

❌ You never planned to scale, so you staffed reactively when the phone started ringing

❌ You hired hoping for perfection, then micromanaged when reality hit

❌ You never articulated the WHY behind your SOPs, so employees just follow checklists

❌ You can't take a day off without deep concerns about what it means for your business

The Promise: By the end of this episode, you'll have a Growth Framework that transforms $15/hour task slavery into 7-figure freedom. You'll know what to delegate, when to delegate it, and how to build the culture that makes it work.

Welcome to The Asset Class. No fluff. No theory. Just the frameworks we charge thousands to teach, delivered free every week.

Join the Asset Classmates. Let's build generational wealth together.