A new national initiative is taking shape with the goal of placing a copy of Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson's book 'Never Lost' into the hands of every Historically Black College and University student in America. The initiative recognizes that college years represent a critical season when students are shaping their understanding of identity, purpose, and responsibility, and seeks to provide historical grounding and a framework for thoughtful leadership before habits harden.
The book, which examines how faith, community, and moral responsibility have sustained people through generations of challenge and change, offers reflections on how shared values are formed, carried forward, and lived out during seasons marked by uncertainty and transition. By distributing the book to HBCU students during this formative time, the initiative aims to equip emerging leaders with perspective, purpose, and hope as they prepare to shape the future.
The initiative invites individuals, families, corporations, foundations, and institutions to participate through bulk sponsorships, with each contribution directly supporting the distribution of books to HBCU campuses nationwide. Every sponsored copy represents an investment in a student's future and, by extension, in the communities those students will one day serve. Supporters are encouraged to recognize the long-term impact of placing formative resources into the hands of emerging leaders.
'Never Lost' is set for release on February 3, 2026, from Wharton Curtis Press and is currently available for preorder at https://NeverLostBook.com. The book's distribution to HBCU students represents a strategic investment in leadership development at institutions that have historically served as incubators for Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across various sectors.
The initiative's focus on HBCU students acknowledges the unique role these institutions play in shaping leadership within Black communities and the broader society. With more than 300,000 students attending HBCUs across the United States, the program's potential reach is substantial, offering a framework for leadership development that connects historical understanding with contemporary challenges and opportunities.
