A new national initiative has launched with the ambitious goal of placing a copy of the book Never Lost into the hands of every student attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the United States. With over 300,000 students enrolled at HBCUs, this effort represents a significant investment in the formation of future leaders during a critical developmental period.
The initiative is based on the conviction that college years represent a pivotal season when students shape their understanding of identity, purpose, and responsibility. By providing access to Never Lost during this formative time, organizers aim to offer historical grounding and a framework for thoughtful leadership before habits become entrenched and historical context feels distant. The book, authored by Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, examines how faith, community, and moral responsibility have sustained people through generations of challenge and change, reflecting on how shared values are formed, carried forward, and lived out during uncertain times.
This initiative matters because it directly addresses the developmental needs of emerging leaders at a time when many are forming their worldviews and professional trajectories. The potential impact extends beyond individual students to the communities they will eventually serve, as the book provides perspective on navigating challenges with purpose and hope. For industries and society at large, equipping HBCU students with these resources could influence leadership approaches across various sectors, potentially fostering more thoughtful, values-driven decision-making in business, education, and community organizations.
The program invites participation through bulk sponsorships from individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and institutions, with each contribution directly supporting book distribution to HBCU campuses nationwide. Supporters are encouraged to recognize the long-term impact of placing formative resources into the hands of emerging leaders, with the vision being national in scope but personal in outcome. Never Lost is scheduled for release on February 3, 2026, from Wharton Curtis Press and is currently available for preorder at https://NeverLostBook.com.
The initiative's importance lies in its timing and target audience. HBCUs have historically served as incubators for Black leadership across multiple fields, and providing students with resources that connect historical context to contemporary challenges could strengthen their preparation for future roles. By focusing on values formation during the college experience, the program addresses a gap in traditional education that often emphasizes technical skills over ethical frameworks. The potential ripple effects could influence how future generations approach leadership, community engagement, and social responsibility in an increasingly complex world.
