Massengale distills his success into six learned principles: confidence, fortitude, persistence, pride, fearlessness, and focus. Each chapter elucidates one of these principles through tales from his own experience, reflections from prominent persons, and perspectives from each of his sons on the ways these values have shaped them.

Part inspiring memoir, part practical motivation for building strong families and careers, Six Lessons for Six Sons is the rags-to-riches story of an exceptional father and the principles that helped an African-American family rise from poverty in post-slavery Texas a century ago to thriving careers all over the United States today.