Buy Black, but not lower their expectations
After a great meal at a local Black-owned and operated a restaurant, I decided to go home and watch a movie on DVD. The film, Undercover Brother, a Universal, Imagine Entertainment release looking comedian Eddie Griffin was on the on-again off – new struggles Black man's efforts to build infrastructure within today's society that offers growth, wealth and independence.
Originally published in Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, 9/19/2007
The aim of Undercover Brother was to hinder the efforts of "The Man" (man white) to sabotage the wealth, growth and independence of the Black race in America. The DVD was a comedy.
My point? For many years, we as a people have neglected to follow the path of growth and independence, the solution to the comfort levels and the state of "I'm fine where I am, "without taking risks to illustrate, discuss, and actively resolving problems within the community, not just talk but to take action!
The score: "The Man" one, we zero.
The route includes education and employment for the purpose of solidarity to form a coherent knowledge base and advice that is passed to the next generation of Black business professionals. Look around and ask, "What have I done to monitor performance positive people? "I spent a dollar on a Black business? "
Black people have a style that is unique, equipped with the power of design, elegance and know what we need and when – if the expectations of high bias. This internal, natural ability is a part of our DNA structure ever tested in our day to day life more than other races.
There is one side of the coin on Black business expenses, I will use my own personal experiences of New York, Denver, Seattle and Minneapolis course.
If I take my family to eat at a Black owned and operated by the establishment, first, I must try to find one. Upon arrival, I am a setback when I go and I am ignored (which also happens in too many White-owned restaurants). The server is hooked on Ebonics and has Satan's attitude, and food does not meet any of my expectations.
Why should I expect to lower my expectations because it is an establishment Black-owned? Do not lower the expectation of JD Hoyt's or Applebee's.
When shopping for clothes, I'm afraid, I try to make time spent in any clothing store short and to the point. I'm really sorry, Mr. Draper Black, that my path to wealth, growth and independence to be a suit and tie with dress shoes black strategically in the mixture and bring my "unfair share" in white corporate America, while maintaining the reputation that I am the better at what I do when I do.
Draper Mr. Black, I can not take this orange shirt, orange pants with orange shoes and a hat – It's just not me. His pants have words on them like Rocawear, Murder, Inc., and images of Fat Albert.
Hey, I was a fat kid I was taunted and called "Fat Albert". Did not I tell you I am on this path, a path that in some cases have to be in stealth mode? There is a saying: "No let them see you coming. "If I went to a business meeting where he would meet with a group of businessmen, in most cases, all white men, would be putting myself in a position of self-imposed economic stupidity just because she dresses, Mr. Draper Black.
In Minnesota, where racism is more secret that in-your-face, I could imagine the thoughts in a business meeting, "Who is believed, Snoop Doggy-Cat?" In some cases, using clothing that is marketed to Black men is a prime example of how man economically disenfranchises us by our appearance.
How can we address these issues with Black businesses? Complain to constructive criticism, while being cordial and diplomatic. If we go to a restaurant White and the steak we ask is medium in size and not well done, do not hesitate to complain about the steak or service.
We have to keep it real with our brothers and sisters Business owners are saying, "Yes, I would spend my money in his establishment, but …" Let it be known! Always return to see if there has been a change. Never leave Black business – thus hurts us all.
Remember, as Black People Black develop our business in a world where even our own set out to sabotage us, we must work harder, work harder and be more efficient in everything we do. When working with a predominantly white corporate U.S. set-up and traps are used as "Black kryptonite" to create the failure. You should know.
It is sad that time is moving and yet some things stay the same.
About the Author
Donald is the Executive V.P. of Twin City Business in Minneapolis.
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