It started with the slice of hair shears and selfmade shirts, a profound look inward and all around at the possibilities of Black creativity at its most unapologetic. Houston White was born to bring people together. What began as his barbershop in North Minneapolis has grown into an intercultural mecca and business incubator where people of all races, identities, and backgrounds gather to share stories and ideas for moving our culture forward.

As a creative entrepreneur, as a designer, and as a Black man in America, Houston has spent his life unlearning the social conventions of a racist system to make space for ideas and experiences that unite people instead of pushing them apart. He reminds us that human connection is the most powerful force in nature. That our differences make us dope. And that cultural collision is the supreme model for creativity and social innovation.

This is not a memoir. It is a blueprint for leading a more creative, vibrant, and entrepreneurial life—and doing so with a diverse community of people dedicated in their own way to that same dream. More than anything, it is a call to those who want to build a more intercultural world. This is the time. We are the people. The bold beginning of a fresh new era of humanity is ours for the making.

Published by DK, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC