Don’t get it twisted because you see a few Blacks doing well, such as: Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, a few athletes, actors, and entertainers—they are also on the White man’s “Life Support Machine,” and when he pulls the plug, they too will need resuscitation.
Blacks must fund their own economic liberation. How long will Blacks depend on others for economic oxygen? We must learn economic CPR and resuscitate ourselves. Most Black cultural events in Los Angeles were canceled this year due to a lack of funding/sponsorship. If it were not for White folks’ money, the NAACP, the Urban League, and other groups would not be able to hold their events.
Time is of the essence, and we must act right now. Here is what we must do: We must make literacy and reversing our economic status top priorities. It’s important that we patronize those businesses who advertise in souvenir programs for Black events. This will encourage these businesses to continue to support our endeavors. Blacks must support venues where other Blacks are exhibiting their product or services, and if you are not able to make a purchase on that day, collect business cards, and remember these businesses when you are in need of the product or services that they offer and be sure to tell family members and friends about these businesses.
Black America must create a new awareness and a new consciousness regarding supporting Black businesses by any means necessary. I am the founder of Black Writers On Tour. We showcase more than 100 authors and vendors at our annual conference. I observed that many of the exhibitors did not leave their booth to take a look at what other vendors were offering for sale. My thought is this: If you take a look at what other Black businesses are offering, you can make a mental note and patronize them at a later date.
What amazes me most is how Black business folk complain about how other Blacks do not support their businesses, and at the same time, they are not supporting other Black-owned businesses. What’s up with that? Even Blacks who own a food eatery do not think of other Black-owned food eateries when they are considering going out to dine. We cannot continue business as usual if we are to change our dismal economic plight around the globe. It’s important for us to support these vendors.
Many Black entrepreneurs came about as a result of corporate downsizing and layoffs, etc. and this is their only means of economic survival, and they need our support. Your support could save a marriage, as well as keep a mother/father and their children working and supporting themselves.
In the next two weeks, I will place a list of the authors, vendors who were exhibitors and advertisers at the Black Writers On Tour conference on our website www.blackwritersontour.com, and when you are shopping for a book to read, a product, or service, please consider these businesses.
We must be willing to suffer a few inconveniences to empower Black businesses. (We do not want to put up with, or suffer any inconveniences to help our people and that is why other cultures bring their businesses next door to where Blacks live. They know our behavior—we want something right around the corner—as if we are walking to patronize these businesses…how insane!).
Think of the hardships our forefathers suffered so that we may have the opportunities that we do have today, and as I write, many of these opportunities are being snatched back from us and given to other cultures and diversities. You had better wake up and tap your Black self on the shoulder, look into the mirror, recognize that you are Black no matter the shade of your skin, and make a run for the economic survival for you and your family.
Dr. Rosie Milligan is a minister, author, talk show host and the owner of Professional Business/Management Consulting Service www.Drrosie.com.
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