WHEN IT COMES TO THIS NATION ’ S FUTURE NAT IRVIN
SAYS BET ON
BLACK
Photo courtesy of Nat Irvin
By BETTY WINSTON BAYE
“ There is no America without Black America . There hasn ’ t been one , and there won ’ t be one in the future , current politics notwithstanding ,” said Dr . Nat Irvin , a Black futurist and assistant dean of Thought Leadership and Civil Engagement in the University of Louisville ’ s College of Business .
here ’ s an identity within
“ TBlack America , and blacks globally , that understands the longer term of the future ,” said Irvin . That ’ s something that is part of our struggle . It ’ s a part of our story . We are enormously adaptable . If you ’ re on the roulette table , bet on black … because Black people will have a major impact ” moving into the future .
In addition to his work at the University of Louisville , Irvin serves as the futurist for the National Black MBA Association and the Executive Leadership Council , the organization of current and former Black CEOs
and senior executives at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies . These positions give him a unique perch from which to explore the long-term trends , and driving forces shaping the future , particularly in the areas of business , education , culture , and technology .
Irvin ’ s work emphasizes the social , political , and economic implications of these forces , as well as the roles imagination and values play in shaping better futures .
“ We ’ re in a chase , a competition , over who will shape America between now and 2042 ,” Irvin said . This competition will be over who gets to be in charge of the social , political , economic , technological , and environmental driving forces and Irvin believes Blacks will play a major role in that future .
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