Richard Gross is the true definition of a boss. He is well educated, being a graduate of the prestigious Morehouse College & Southern Polytechnic State University, which have helped to serve him well with his creation of The Freeman’s Journal. What sets his business planner/journal apart from others is that it is written in a Q&A format that encourages the business mind to think outside of the box while brainstorming their plan. It follows a formula of asking the important “Why’s”, “Hows”, & “Why You” that once answered completely & openly will lead you to a basic business plan in the end.
I was really intrigued by our conversation as I’m sure you will be as well. I found Richard Gross’s knowledge of African American History & facts to be fascinating & inspiring. Also, his desire to help break down the barriers for black business owners as he stated that “our impact globally on American culture is undeniable” yet we sometimes do not receive the credit, or monetary value that we are due associated with it. He is a very knowledgeable man that began in design & is sure to take the world by storm with this as well as many other inventions & ventures in the future.
Why did you see the need to create the Freeman’s Journal & How did you go about it?
The global impact of the African American community is undeniable, as our influence can be seen in the music, fashion, and cultural trends prevalent in many societies around the world. Despite our widespread cultural influence, African American communities in the United States often do not see the same financial benefits. The ideas originating from the black community generate significant wealth globally, but the credit and resources often don’t flow back into our communities.
The Freeman’s Journal aims to address this issue by offering a solution in the form of a system that helps individuals document their ideas and turn them into business plans. The Journal was designed to be accessible and easy to use, with language and resources tailored to reach a wide audience. The goal is to empower people to not only think of their ideas in a business-minded manner but to also effectively turn those ideas into profitable ventures.
I love the idea & the name, Freeman’s Journal when I hear it. What comes to mind is the idea of being a free-flowing thinker, can you elaborate on what it means to you?
The Freeman’s Journal takes its name from the Freedman’s bureau, a federal agency established during the Civil War to assist newly freed slaves. The Freedman’s Bureau provided vital resources, including food, housing, medical care, and education, to help individuals to transition to freedom. Despite its efforts, the Freedman’s Bureau faced opposition and ultimately had its funding cut, leading to its eventual dissolution. The legacy of systemic disenfranchisement and racial discrimination continues to affect the African American community to this day.
The naming of the Journal after the Freedman’s Bureau serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for resources and support for African Americans and the importance of ending the cycle of systemic disenfranchisement.
What was the first business you launched & did it help in any way with creating the Journal?
My initial venture was in graphic design where I created logos and magazine designs. My education, including a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and an MBA from Southern Polytechnic State University, equipped me with the knowledge & skills to bring Freeman’s Journal to life. My design background, coupled with my business education, gave me the tools to create a visually appealing and functional journal that would meet the needs & expectations of its intended audience.
In your mind & own words, what is one step that can be taken to become freer in our careers & personal lives?
To achieve greater freedom in our careers and personal lives, it’s crucial to invest time in self-discovery and understand our unique motivations & tendencies. Only by gaining self-awareness can we learn how to properly care for ourselves & meet our own needs. It’s impossible to be there for others if we don’t first prioritize our well-being. By taking the time to know ourselves, we lay the foundation for a fulfilling and successful life.
What is the most exciting component to you about the Journal?
The whole journal is exciting. The Freeman’s Journal is a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed resource. Every aspect of the journal has been crafted with purpose, working together to create a cohesive guide for entrepreneurs. From the idea index that captures creativity to the development spaces that foster growth to the glossary of over 200 business terms in the back, the journal is designed to inspire and support individuals on their entrepreneurial journey.
You’re officially gearing up to launch live next month via a rollout & networking event. What can attendees expect?
Attendees at the event can look forward to connecting with a diverse network of fellow entrepreneurs from the Atlanta area and learning about our company’s exciting plans and initiatives. The event will also serve as a celebration of the individuals who have supported us from the start and made the publication of the Journal possible. It promises to be a memorable occasion, with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and enjoyable music.
You are an author as well. What is your latest book release & where can readers find it?
I wouldn’t describe myself as an author in the traditional sense, as I didn’t craft a narrative. Rather, I developed a system that empowers individuals to articulate their ideas and then walks them through the process of turning those ideas and then walks them through the process of turning those ideas into a customer-centric business plan. Currently, this is my only product offering, but we have exciting plans in the pipeline that will be revealed in due time.
I felt extremely honored and grateful to have the opportunity to help spread the news about this witty & innovative business tool. I found it even more befitting that it is being shared during what America recognizes as Black History Month. As we in the African American community know & realize we are walking history every day. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the backstory of how the Journal got its name & that he chose to acknowledge the legacy of the Freedman’s Bureau in such a monumental way. It reminds me of the saying by Mya Angelou “You can’t know where you are going until you know where you’ve been”. In his acknowledgment of the past and the good that the Freedman’s bureau did for African Americans before its funding got cut & it eventually dissolved, he expressed his desire to see more progress in black-owned businesses & finances. I believe his invention also helps us to organize our thoughts more clearly if we are even just thinking about an idea and trying to see where it could go. There is a scripture in the bible in the book of Habakkuk 2:2 that says we are to write the vision & make it. I believe as a writer myself who desires to be an entrepreneur this is the perfect tool to help me both define & refine my ideas in a more precise manner, & I highly recommend it to any future or potential business owner out there as a step in the direction towards launching your venture. If you are like me & are interested in starting a business or just learning more about Richard or the Journal visit www.freemansjournal.us website or his Instagram pages @badmanrich or @thefreemansjournal for all the latest & up to date information as he promises there are more plans to come that he just isn’t quite ready to reveal just yet, but promises to in due time. This is sure to be a mega-successful product & I have a strong feeling it will most likely not be his last, so stay tuned as I know I will for sure.
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