Life & Love of a Hustla

For many black kids growing up in the impoverished neighborhoods of Benton Harbor, Michigan, the color of money has often seemed very white. That ideology didn't sit well with Terrell Black, who was raised in the same tough neighborhood during the '80s and '90s. He came of age during the crack era and has spent most of his professional life climbing the ladder of success with street wisdom to bring about a shift in America's balance of wealth and power. His bully pulpit: HHEAT Magazine, launched in 2005, it was the first publication ever devoted to Hip-Hop Street Literature. With a $10,000 self investment from his income tax return, Terrell created a media empire, which last year generated $5 million in revenues. Building on his flagship magazine's reputation Terrell has also been diversifying his interests. The family concern now includes a book publishing house, and a $9 million non-profit-equity fund which invests exclusively in minority-owned businesses.Not bad for a kid from Benton Harbor,Michigan.