Written By: Alisyn Re
Journalist
Rich Knowledge, born on March 30, 1977, entered the world in the humble setting of a project hallway, a testament to his beginnings. Growing up in the 9th ward of New Orleans, he navigated a challenging environment alongside his family, including his mother who toiled for 12 hours a day and a father juggling three jobs. Despite the support of his immediate family, tragedy struck as his baby brother passed away at the tender age of 4, leaving a void in their household. Rich Knowledge's educational journey took him through Coughill Elementary, Fannity C. Williams Middle School, and J.S. Clark High School.
At the age of 12, he acquired a gun from an older cousin for protection, setting the stage for a tumultuous journey ahead. Amidst trials and tribulations, his childhood anger escalated, resulting in expulsion from middle school and placement in a boys' home at just 13, from which he later escaped with his family's assistance. His violent tendencies landed him back in juvenile detention, where a "scared straight" program steered him towards boxing.
Encounters with law enforcement turned brutal, culminating in a severe beating by officers at 14. By 16, he bravely endured seven stab wounds while defending his younger brother, and at 17, he sustained two gunshot wounds protecting his sibling from a group assault. At 18, a family tragedy propelled him into a fatal confrontation with his cousin's abusive ex-partner, resulting in imprisonment, albeit later deemed self-defense.
Seeking redemption at 19, he departed New Orleans, leveraging his passion for basketball to earn recognition as one of the top 100 athletes in the United States, securing a full-ridescholarship to FAMU as a Division I player. Yet, at 20, he answered a higher calling, leaving college to join the United States Marine Corps, where he continued to showcase his basketball prowess. Amidst his military service, he married and welcomed two children. However, a devastating ACL injury during a tryout for the New Orleans Hornets G-League team forced his medical discharge from the Marines, altering the trajectory of his life once again at the age of 31.
Rich Knowledge's journey is one of resilience and determination. At 33, he embarked on a career with the US Army in the Logistics field, armed with two degrees; an AA in Information Technology and a BA in Operations Management; alongside an impressive collection of 47 certificates, notably in Lean 6 Sigma and Proctor certification. Financial literacy ignited a spark in Rich from a tender age of 5, and as he matured, his passion only intensified.
It wasn't until later, spurred on by government initiatives and avid reading, that he ventured into entrepreneurship, fueling his drive to establish his own business and personal brand. Despite an early start in investing at 30, Rich faced setbacks, losing significant sums due to a lack of expertise. Nevertheless, his unwavering love for math and financial literacy kept him motivated to learn and grow. Life took a drastic turn at 35 when Rich's marriage ended in divorce due to adultery, forcing him to rebuild from scratch.
At 37, facing dire circumstances, he found himself and his children living in a car, surviving on a mere $130 a month. Despite the hardship, he made the heart-wrenching decision to temporarily part with his kids while deployed, ensuring their well-being with frequent visits, financial support, and constant communication.
Determined to turn his life around, Rich delved headfirst into financial stability and market intricacies. By 39, he reunited with his children and relocated to Maryland. In the years that followed, he remarried, expanding his family and embracing an additional five children and a stepdaughter, marking a testament to his resilience and unwavering pursuit of a better future.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rich has garnered an impressive array of accolades and achievements. Among these are two Meritorious Service Awards, recognition for Good Conduct, and three Navy and Marine Corps Medals. Additionally, Rich has been honored with a Meritorious Service Certificate, a Certificate of Valor, and has achieved remarkable success on the basketball court, securing seven championships for the Marine Corps and having his basketball number retired in recognition of his prowess. Notably, Rich has also received 12 coins of achievement, commemorating various milestones and accomplishments, including awards for 20 and 24 years of dedicated service. Across his entire career, Rich has consistently exemplified excellence and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and superiors alike.
During a group call, Rich Knowledge found inspiration from the speakers and fellow participants, prompting him to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. Equipped with extensive experience in financial matters gained from his government role, he possessed a deep understanding of the intricacies of wealth accumulation and the mechanisms behind the perpetuation of affluence.
His venture, initiated on June 20, 2022, aimed to impart essential financial knowledge under the banner of F.E.A.R., symbolizing Fundamental Education to Achieving Riches to Generational Wealth. As time progressed, unforeseen challenges arose with the onset of the Covid pandemic. Despite being 43 years old, Rich Knowledge embarked on a journey to educate himself on the intricacies of business ownership, driven by a desire to contribute positively to his community. This endeavor represented a significant shift towards realizing his vision of fostering economic empowerment and prosperity within his sphere of influence.
Rich's business soared to new heights in early 2023, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. His wife affectionately refers to it as an "overnight success" due to its rapid rise in popularity. Since then, Rich has embarked on a relentless journey, traveling ceaselessly from 2023 to the present day, traversing the globe to educate on financial literacy.
Amidst his travels, Rich has authored a line of books under "The Butterfly Series," catering to various age groups and demographics. From "The Butterfly Series for Kids" to "Never Too Late Series," each book offers insights and strategies for financial empowerment. However, Rich's most cherished accomplishment of 2023 was the profound impact he made, having helped over 100,000 individuals worldwide gain financial literacy, a testament to his dedication and passion for making a difference.
In 2024, Rich Knowledge has an ambitious vision for F.E.A.R, aiming to position it as the premier financial education program in America. His goal extends to reaching and aiding 100 million individuals through the F.E.A.R app, alongside conducting financial literacy seminars in sold-out NFL and NBA stadiums. Furthermore, he aims for each of his books to sell a minimum of 100 thousand copies, solidifying his influence in the financial literacy realm. Concurrently, he envisions F.E.A.R as the top financial literacy program on television, enhancing its accessibility and impact across diverse demographics.
Moreover, Rich Knowledge aspires to elevate national financial health, targeting a substantial increase in the national FICO score to at least 680. He plans to revolutionize retirement options for those nearing retirement age, “offering alternatives more advantageous than traditional 401k and pension plans.” Additionally, he's committed to empowering pro-athletes and college students to navigate their financial futures more adeptly, aiming for a more secure and prosperous tomorrow. In his own words, Rich Knowledge envisions his company as a beacon of support, dedicated to fostering financial literacy and empowerment, particularly within the Black community, with “a mission to uplift individuals one investment, one dollar, and one credit score at a time.”
In his quest to leave an indelible mark on readers, Rich Knowledge advocates for a profound shift in mindset, emphasizing that the pursuit of wealth for its own sake is misguided. Through his poignant catchphrase "FACT CHECK ME!", he challenges individuals to critically evaluate their aspirations and actions. He urges them to transcend the allure of quick gains and recognize that money should serve as a means to accomplish higher objectives rather than an end in itself.
Embracing this perspective, he implores readers to break free from the cycle of chasing superficial wealth, asserting that true fulfillment lies in leveraging financial resources as tools to realize their deepest aspirations. Rich Knowledge's message resonates with a resounding call to action, prompting reflection on the purpose and value of wealth accumulation in the broader context of personal growth and fulfillment.
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