By: Charles O’Neal
Remember that song? Well, this isn’t about that! This is about how the clashes inherent in America’s political economy present challenges for business advocacy organizations, particularly those that advocate specifically for Black-owned businesses.
There is no secret for whom we work at the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. It’s right there in our name. And while it is equally as clear that we work to expand business opportunities, even Ray Charles could see that the current political environment adds an additional layer of challenge to those we already face.
This is only the beginning of the lines beginning to blur… voter suppression, disruptions in educational opportunity, inadequate access to healthcare each will ultimately have an economic impact, AND more often than not these issues result in business advocacy organizations having to weigh in on social issues that on first inspection don’t appear to be business related.
What we at the USBC have found is that true advocacy demands that we be ready to articulate the concerns of Black America, regardless to whether those concerns are directly business related. In fact, in the long view of our history in this country – beside clergy and educators – is has been Black business owners at the forefront of our demands for equality.
As early as 1827 and the first Black newspaper, Black business owners have demonstrated their understanding of the forces arrayed against us and accepted their commitment to being the voice of the voiceless. Farmers, ranchers, funeral home owners, lawyers, doctors, insurance men and women, barbers, beauticians, taxi companies – check your history books – you’ll find Black business owners at the forefront of our struggle.
Trust me… sometimes “staying in your lane” is the absolute last thing we need. My encouragement to each of you that finds this in your inbox or timeline is to embrace the assignment. As in no time in our recent past, Black business owners are those among us who can literally afford to amplify the concerns of the communities we serve.
If you still need help in “amping up” your advocacy voice, make plans to attend the USBC/NABOB annual conference October 7-9. This year’s conference – The BLACKPRINT To Build Better Chambers – will provide the entire toolbox on strengthening chambers, scaling Black businesses and advancing economic power. Your attendance and support will help clear up the blurred lines
There is a reason ADVOCACY is the USBC’s first Pillar of Service… we realize that true advocacy clears up the vision and makes blurred lines a thing of the past. As always, let me know your thoughts – chairman@usblackchambers.org. I look forward to seeing you at the conference and hearing your stories of how you’ve stepped up your advocacy game!
Charles O’Neal is the Chairman of the U.S. Black Chambers
