Time for a REAL Independence Day!
I do realize we’ve hit the middle of the year, but let me take you back to the annual year-end celebration of Kwanzaa… the second principle of the Nguzo Saba (my favorite!) is KUJICHAGULIA – self-definition/self-determination.
It is way past time for Black America and the businesses we (should) depend on to recapture the spirit of those determined souls “out of our gloomy past”. The stony road they trod – the way that with tears has been watered, the path through the blood of the slaughtered – has led us, once again, to a critical fork in the road.
Once again – like those heroes of long ago – we find ourselves facing a future with little hope of the government we pay for reciprocating the trust we’ve placed in it.
So, what do we do? We become more careful, more cautious, about where and when we expend our precious financial resources. We make serious efforts to preserve the institutions that we created and grew out of necessity. We realize – once again – that if there’s any saving to be done, IT WILL BE DONE BY US!
At the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. we continuously tweak our programmatic and resource offerings, while keeping a watchful eye on the economy and Capitol Hill. Along with regular data inputs from member chambers across the country we are able to accurately advocate for the most beneficial economic strategies on behalf of Black-owned businesses.
It ain’t easy! The work, though, is made more bearable when we measure the challenges we face against those endured by the valiant souls who stared down literal death to get us to today.
When we realize the collective power of all the education we’ve attained, the creature comforts to which we’ve become accustomed, the leveling power of our aggregated capital… we will realize that true independence is within our grasp.
The solution to all our challenges is contained in the proverb that falls regularly from our lips – but is all too rarely evident in our actions: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together!”
Today, we have no choice but to channel the Spirit of the Elders and commit ourselves to “going together.” Future generations are counting on us.
As always, we welcome your responses, comments, and suggestions on how we might better serve. Reach me at chairman@usblackchambers.org or visit our website for more information about the work we do.
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
Thank you!
