Dr. Chaka Blackman-Lee joins DBA Chronicles to trace a lifeand career shaped by resilience, service, and purpose — from Panama and Brooklyn to nonprofit leadership, consulting, and a DBA at Fox School of Business, Temple University. Chaka explains why entrepreneurship for Black communities is far more than commerce: it’s social action, communitypreservation, and intergenerational legacy. She discusses the values that guided her research, the power of storytelling (and “excavating” hidden histories like Black Wall Streets), her move into teaching and public-facing scholarship, and practical advice for first-generation scholars and leaders.

Key takeaways

• Entrepreneurship in Black communities function as a social action mechanism — driven by values that balance community and self-interest.
• Small, steady progress matters: “put one foot in front of the other” — break big goals into bite-sized steps.
• Storytelling and record-keeping matter: preserving andsharing entrepreneurial histories builds legacy and informs policy/practice.
• Visible, modern outreach can complement academic publishing — it’s a direct route to community impact.
• Leaders need supportive networks and candid conversations about imposter syndrome — mentorship and vulnerability create pathways for others.

Notable quotes

“Everything is figureoutable.”

“Put one foot in front of the other.”

“I felt like I could’ve used a friend — so I decided tobecome that friend.”

Who should listen

This episode is for aspiring and current entrepreneurs—especially those interested in community-centeredbusiness models—first-generation scholars and professional learners seeking practical advice on navigating academia and leadership, and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and anyone curious about the intersection of social movements and economic agency. 

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Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!