Black Blocks Board Game Pairs Financial Literacy With Black History

Black Blocks LLC, an Oakland, California company, has opened pre-orders for Black Blocks, a board game designed to teach wealth-building strategies alongside Black history. Announced May 15, 2026, the game is aimed at teens and families and pairs everyday financial decisions with stories of African American entrepreneurs and financial pioneers. The company says it was built to make complex money concepts accessible through play.

Two Lessons, One Game Board

Black Blocks is for players ages 12 and up and supports two to six players, with a typical session lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The company said pre-orders were available through its website at an MSRP of $44.95, with a 10% discount for pre-orders and shipping scheduled to begin in June 2026. Bulk pricing is offered for schools and organizations.

Gameplay centers on two decks. Life Cards present realistic financial and social decisions, while Fate Cards highlight figures from Black history and prompt discussion. Players practice budgeting, investing and wealth-building strategies through interactive scenarios, and the company says the design is meant to build practical decision-making, critical thinking and financial confidence. The figures featured include Madam C.J. Walker, Garrett Morgan and Black Wall Street entrepreneurs.

"Black Blocks bridges two essential lessons that are too often taught separately: financial literacy and the history that shapes our economic choices. We designed the game to be welcoming for families, classrooms, and community groups, a space to build practical money skills while celebrating culture and sparking intergenerational conversations."

— David E. Rogers, Founder and CEO, Black Blocks LLC

Filling a Gap in Financial Education

The company points to a need for engaging, culturally relevant financial education. Its announcement cites a figure that 57% of American adults lack basic financial literacy skills, notes that financial literacy is now required in 30 states, and references National Financial Educators Council research estimating that financial illiteracy cost Americans $352 billion in 2021. The company says that while such requirements are growing, schools often lack materials that engage students.

Black Blocks is positioned as a curriculum-friendly format suited to classrooms, youth programs and community workshops, and the company says it aligns with financial literacy standards while supporting social studies and cultural education objectives. In early testing with families, educators and community organizations, beta testers reported better understanding of financial concepts and deeper conversations about entrepreneurship and long-term planning, according to the company.

"During our testing phase, we watched teenagers who typically avoided math suddenly calculating property ownership and keeping an eye on the competition while trying to win the game. The historical components sparked research projects that extended far beyond our family game nights."

— Patricia Johnson, participating parent

The Founder Behind the Game

Black Blocks LLC says it develops culturally authentic educational products that celebrate Black history and teach practical skills, with a mission of closing educational gaps through engaging, affirming experiences for the Black community and beyond. Founder David E. Rogers holds a B.S. from Purdue University and an MBA with concentrations in finance and marketing. He brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare and e-commerce and more than 15 years as a creative entrepreneur, and is the author of 13 published books.

Information and ordering details are available at blackblocksgame.com.