Rewriting the Narrative: Freddie Taylor’s Mission to Transform Black History Education

Freddie Taylor isn’t just an entrepreneur; he’s a man on a mission to disrupt how Black history is taught and understood. As the founder and CEO of Urban Intellectuals, Taylor has taken a simple tool—flashcards—and turned it into a global movement that challenges the narrow lens through which Black history is often viewed.

Since its inception, Urban Intellectuals has sold over half a million decks of Black History Flashcards, reaching audiences in all 50 states and 64 countries. But Taylor’s vision goes beyond flashcards. His goal is clear: to correct historical narratives, fill in the gaps left by traditional education, and inspire a deeper understanding of Black identity.

The Roots of a Mission

Taylor’s passion for history is personal. It traces back to his father, known as “Mr. 95,” born in 1929. “My dad didn’t start the company, but he sparked the mission,” Taylor explains. Growing up in a household where Black history wasn’t confined to textbooks or February celebrations shaped his worldview. It wasn’t just history—it was life.

That foundation stayed with him, eventually influencing his entrepreneurial journey. Armed with an MBA and a drive to make a difference, Taylor realized the power of accessible education tools, leading to the creation of Urban Intellectuals’ flagship product: the Black History Flashcards.

Why Flashcards?

In an era dominated by digital content, the choice to focus on flashcards seems unconventional. But for Taylor, that was the point. “People thought flashcards were outdated,” he says. “But that’s exactly why they work. They’re tangible, interactive, and create real conversations.”

The idea stemmed from his own study habits during grad school. Flashcards helped him absorb complex material, and he saw an opportunity to apply that method to Black history. The result? A product that not only educates but also engages across generations.

Taylor’s initial $1,500 investment to produce 500 decks quickly snowballed. The first batch sold out before they even arrived, and demand has only grown since.

Beyond Products: The Sankofa Movement

Urban Intellectuals is more than a business—it’s a platform for cultural education. Taylor has expanded his offerings under the banner of the Sankofa Movement, inspired by the Ghanaian concept meaning “to go back and get it.” This philosophy drives every facet of the company’s growth.

The movement includes:

• Sankofa Tools: Educational products like flashcards, games, and learning materials.
• Sankofa Club: Live Black history classes for children, designed to fill the gaps left by traditional schooling.
• Sankofa Circle: A space for adults to engage in deeper historical learning.
• Sankofa Experiences: Curated travel experiences to Africa and the African diaspora, providing immersive historical connections.

Taylor describes these offerings as part of a larger ecosystem designed to reclaim and preserve cultural identity through education and real-world experiences.

The Business Behind the Mission

While Taylor’s work is rooted in cultural advocacy, his business acumen is a key factor in Urban Intellectuals’ success. One of his biggest lessons? The power of exceptional customer service.

“Customer service is the secret sauce,” he says. “You can have the best product in the world, but if people don’t feel valued, they won’t come back. Our community deserves excellence—not just in the history we teach but in how we treat them.”

This approach has created a loyal customer base that not only supports the brand but actively promotes it, helping Urban Intellectuals expand organically through word-of-mouth and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

Taylor isn’t content with past successes. His focus is on scaling the impact of Urban Intellectuals while maintaining the authenticity that has fueled its growth. He’s particularly interested in expanding long-form content, hosting lectures, and deepening the company’s educational offerings.

“Our community is hungry for knowledge,” he says. “It’s not enough to tell people to be proud of who they are. We need to show them why. That’s the work.”

Freddie Taylor’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Through Urban Intellectuals, he’s not just teaching history—he’s reshaping it for future generations.

Freddie Taylor is the feature cover in Brownstone Living Magazine the digital and print version releasing February 05, 2025.

You can find out more about Sankofa and The Black History Flash Cards and more at urbanintellectuals.com