Lori Ann LaRocco has added to her scope as a published author and global supply chain reporter for CNBC, diving into a difficult yet inspiring part of American history with “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future” a new book she’s co-written with her daughter Abby Wallace. The book, released February 6th on Amazon and other leading bookstores, tells the story of four prominent Black families whose ancestors were enslaved, revealing how their experiences shaped and influenced each generation up to the present day. All author royalties and nonprofit donations will benefit the “Each One, Teach One” book stipend where descendants of the enslaved can apply for funds to help offset the price of college books.
“Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future” tells the stories of “Poleete” Pollee and Rose Allen, Clotilda survivors and co-founders of Africatown; the Madison family, descendants from President James Madison; the Quander family, one of oldest recorded Black American families dating back to the 1600’s; and the Brooks Family, the only Black American family in U.S. history with three generals (father and two sons) in the immediate family.
These families generously shared their stories, recounting the trials faced by their forebears, the values imparted through generations, and the indomitable spirit that prevailed. The book meticulously chronicles their lives, underscoring the importance of African Americans fostering unity as a means to stand together and honor their shared heritage.
“We toured the homes of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, and were left with more questions than answers about the enslaved men, women, and children who were viewed as property and worked in bondage,” said LaRocco. “Monticello and Montpelier revealed fingerprints intentionally depressed in bricks made by the hands of enslaved women and children—putting their fingerprints on these bricks was their mark on the world to let future generations know they were there.
“Abby and I were inspired to learn these stories and share the impact, experiences, wisdom, traditions, and values that have been passed down since that dark time in American history through the inspiring journeys of four remarkable African-American families.”
Lori Ann LaRocco is senior editor of guests and global supply chain reporter for CNBC Business News, coordinating high profile interviews and special multi-million dollar on-location productions for all shows on the network. “Embracing Your Past” is her sixth published book, which details the dark history of global trade- slavery.
LaRocco’s new nonprofit, Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future, INC. is behind the “Each One Teach One” book stipend, which is named after the African proverb that dates back to the days of slavery: If an enslaved person had the opportunity and learned how to read, write, or do arithmetic, it was their responsibility to pass on that knowledge.
“Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future takes readers on a journey into the unvarnished truth of our American history. These four families are empowering examples of strength, resilience, and the enduring spirit of individuals who, like me, are descendants of those who survived the brutality of enslavement in this country. The history and life lessons in this book are important and immeasurable.”
- Hill Harper, New York Times Best Selling Author, Actor, and Activist
“This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to hear stories that haven’t been told before and to learn more about the challenges, and obstacles that African Americans have had to face since being kidnapped and brought to these shores in 1619 and have still been able to participate and contribute to the very fabric of this country which is their home.”
- Dean Radcliffe–Lynes, Emmy Award winning television producer and independent filmmaker
Buy “Embracing Your Past to Empower Your Future” today on Amazon.com and everywhere books are sold.
LaRocco has served as a global CNBC reporter since 2000, and her track record has garnered the trust and respect from Wall Street rainmakers to Washington. LaRocco has also published “Trade War: Containers Don’t Lie, Navigating the Bluster”; “Dynasties of the Sea: The Untold Stories of the Postwar Shipping Pioneers”; “Opportunity Knocking”; “Dynasties of the Sea: The Ships and Entrepreneurs Who Ushered in the Era of Free Trade”; and “Thriving in the New Economy: Lessons from Today’s Top Business Minds.”
