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| Black Business in Williamsport. September, 2007 |
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| Teach our kids how to read a profit and loss statement. |
The business of Reading and the Bottomline.
Perception is everything. And a common misconception is that African-Americans are a crime-ridden, violent prone, uneducated, immoral and untrustworthy people.
Many people believe that blacks do not contribute to the betterment of the community. In fact, we are our own worst enemy. I have heard Blacks say, “Blacks want to tear things up. [The N-word] have no organization, no leadership, and no discipline. [The N-word] are angry and self-destructive.”
Defenders of the race point to the legacy of the American slavery system and the society’s institutionalized discrimination as an explanation for Blacks’ lack of parity in America. History has certainly dealt African-Americans a bad hand; that is clear.
We have some problems that need solving. Nearly half of all the men in the criminal justice system are Black and Hispanic. Blacks only make up 13% of the U.S. population yet we are nearly 50% of the prison population. (Most persons incarcerated are functionally illiterate.)
The drop out rate for black children in America’s schools is the worst. Reading levels for black children are consistently poor and below average. And despite valiant efforts by concerned parents, school administrators and caring teachers, black kids continue to lag behind their white counterparts. (Studies suggest a connection between poor reading skills and the likelihood of incarceration.)
Most black homes are single female-headed households. Most blacks do not own their homes. As a group, 26% of Black households live below the poverty level. (Add to that the number of Blacks living just above the poverty line and you’ll see disturbing statistics of race and class in America.) (Reading is the basis for good jobs. Poor reading skills almost guarantees a life of poverty.)
We need to start at the beginning and encourage black youth to read. Teach them to read about their history and their culture. Then teach them to read about other cultures. Then teach them to read about politics, government and business.
We also need to teach our kids how to be entrepreneurs. Teach them to be independent and self-reliant. Teach them to compete in the global market place. Teach them about profit and loss statements, return-on-investment financials and the credit system.
A healthy black business community in Williamsport will create jobs. Jobs will stabilize black families and instill community pride. Good paying jobs will mean an increase in home ownership. Black equity translates into black wealth and prosperity.
The larger presence of a viable black business community within Williamsport is a win-win situation for everyone. The entire region will benefit economically.
A black business base will empower black Williamsporters and invigorate the local economy. The future is bright. Preparing our children for the responsibilities of entrepreneurialship and economic participation in the civic life of Williamsport is everybody’s job. Reading and increased business ownership is the way out of our dilemna.
Do you know a business that is owned and operated by African-Americans? Send me their names and addresses and I will provide a listing in this newsletter.
Who knows? This could be the start of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Williamsport, or a League of Black Businesses. The dream is possible.
Read. Learn to read. Read to Learn.
Teach someone to READ.
Email me at: AAAP@rcjamesdesign.net
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