The Newbos are coming!

There is a new book called, "Newbos: The Rise of America's New Black Overclass," and Sunday night on CNBC there was a series featuring the subjects in the book which focuses on this new generation of wealthy stars mainly from the sports and entertainment world. Stars like Lebron James, Tori Hunter, Kadar Masenburg, Kurt Franklin, Lil Wayne, Bob Johnson, T.O. and others shared the joys and pains of being the first in their family to make it big and the pressure and pleasures that go along with that responsibility of being a member of the black overclass.

I found the special fascinating in many ways. The gaudiness of Baby from Cash Money records with $500-thousand worth of platinum and diamonds in his mouth and 15-carat black diamonds on each ear. But also his company's entrepreneurial acumen that gave him and his partner Robert "Slim" Williams the insight to negotiate a distribution deal that paid them $30-million and allowed them to keep the masters.

I was most impressed with the vision of Lebron James who was criticized for firing his agent and going with a team of childhood friends. I remember listening to the critics make comments, like he had handed his millions over to his homeboys. He did, but these homeboys had cut their teeth in promotion at Nike and they had planned this move since they were all kids. He also checked with his mentor Warren Buffett before he made the move. So in addition to being one of the most dominant players in the league and one of the youngest, James also has a business strategy for his brand and his days after basketball.

Former B.E.T. owner Bob Johnson (Johnson and Oprah are the only two black billionaires in America) said he would like to see this successful generation of entrepreneurs work together more and even merge for business projects. Ironically, he and black-owned TV One are currently not partnering but battling, as TV One made an FCC filing that basically opposes digital must-carry for networks such as Johnson's Urban Television, LLC. So much for teamwork.

While most of us are struggling in these trying economic times, a new term has been coined - the Black Overclass. I hope I can join soon.