by Yasawaii Saadiq, founder of Third Eye Nubians
When our ancestors built communities, they survived and thrived through collective effort. Land was tilled together, resources were shared, and wealth was measured in how well the village lived, not how much one person had. Somewhere along the way, modern society convinced us that success is an individual pursuit, measured by personal gain and competition. But what if we returned to our roots? What if we built wealth the way our ancestors built pyramids, kingdoms, and thriving cities - together?
The Myth of Individual Success
Today’s culture glorifies the “self-made” millionaire, but the truth is no one succeeds alone. Behind every entrepreneur, celebrity, or mogul is a team, a community, and a network that helped them rise. Collective economics, often called cooperative economics, challenges the myth of individual success. It reminds us that when we pool our resources, talents, and vision, we can create abundance that no single person could achieve alone.
Modern Examples of Collective Wealth
From Black Wall Street in Tulsa to FUBU in fashion, history shows us the power of moving as a unit. Even today, we see group economics fueling cultural powerhouses, whether it’s buying Black-owned, supporting local businesses, or creating investment collectives that shift generational wealth.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
We are living in an era where the wealth gap continues to widen. But there’s also more opportunity than ever to innovate, to create, and to own. By coming together as a community, whether through buying clubs, investment groups, or shared land ownership - we not only build wealth, we build resilience.
Action Steps You Can Take
Support Black-Owned Businesses: Redirect just 10% of your spending into community-owned businesses.
- Start a Micro-Investment Group: Pool money monthly with trusted family or friends to build an investment fund.
- Share Knowledge & Resources: Wealth isn’t just money - it’s information, skills, and connections. Spread what you know.
- Think Legacy, Not Just Income: Build systems that last beyond your lifetime - land, trusts, businesses, and education.
Closing Thought
When one person rises, it’s a victory. But when the collective rises, it’s a revolution. Our ancestors taught us that no rope is unbreakable when woven from many strands. Today, let’s pick up that wisdom and weave again - for ourselves, our children, and generations yet to come.