Black Gold - by Ben Stephens (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Black Gold is a sweeping story about love, family, and redemption--where the greatest treasure isn't found beneath the ground, but in the people willing to fight for what matters most.

In the heart of East Texas, where fortunes rise and fall beneath the earth, oil is more than a commodity...it's legacy.

Bryce Tate has spent twenty years chasing one goal: to become a top executive at Empire Oil. When he's sent to Kilgore, Texas, to evaluate a struggling family-owned oil company, he expects a routine assignment that will secure the promotion of a lifetime. Instead, he finds the Ward family.

For nearly a century, the Wards have fought to protect the land their ancestors built into one of the proudest Black-owned oil operations in East Texas. Now, buried beneath mounting debt, failing equipment, and powerful enemies determined to erase their legacy, they're running out of time.

At the center of it all is Desirae Ward, a determined woman willing to sacrifice everything to save her family's name. As Bryce is drawn into her world, business becomes personal. With the future of an entire community hanging in the balance, Bryce must decide what success truly means to him.

About the Author

Born Benjamin Stephens Jr. in Washington, D.C., and raised in Forestville, Maryland, Ben's early years were shaped by his love for sports. His dedication to basketball earned him a scholarship to Shepherd University, where he gave his all on the court--setting records, earning WVIAC All-Conference honors, and being named conference tournament MVP.

After college, Ben's path took an unexpected turn toward the entertainment world. He began his acting journey with small roles on shows like Frasier, Moesha, The Parkers, Half & Half, and One-on-One, steadily learning the craft and building his experience. That persistence paid off when he landed the role of Curtis Duncan, a gritty bounty hunter whose complexity and loyalty made him a fan favorite. Initially a recurring character, Ben's performance resonated enough to earn him a promotion to series regular by the show's fourth season.

In addition to acting, Ben has embraced opportunities behind the camera. He serves as a Associate Producer on The Family Business and its spin-off, The Family Business: New Orleans, which premiered on BET+ in January 2025. Being involved in both the creative and production sides has given him a deeper appreciation for the teamwork it takes to bring a story to life. His goal is always to help tell stories that connect with audiences in an authentic and meaningful way.

The New Orleans spin-off gave Ben the chance to explore Curtis Duncan in new environments and with new relationships, alongside a talented cast that includes Brandon T. Jackson, Lela Rochon, Pooch Hall, and others. As always, Ben approaches the work with gratitude and focus, aiming to bring honesty and energy to each scene. The series has been well received for its action, emotion, and cultural relevance--something Ben is proud to be a part of.

Ben also has experience producing unscripted projects as well. He created the MTV streetball series Who's Got Game?, which starred NBA icon and billionaire business mogul Magic Johnson. Most recently, he co-authored his debut novel Curtis the Bounty Hunter: Dead or Alive with Lajill Hunt--expanding the Curtis Duncan story into the literary world. Through each project, Ben remains committed to growing as an actor, producer and now author, giving his best to every opportunity that comes his way.