“Some people remain enslaved by the examples that they see around them. If they lacked role models, then they find it difficult to grow beyond a certain point. They can see few possibilities for themselves beyond what they see. But you have to stretch.” From, “Sweet Expectations: Michele Hoskins’ Recipe For Success” By: Michele Hoskins
PLEASE PASS THIS ON! (EACH ONE TEACH ONE OR TWO!) THIS IS PHASE ONE ON HOW WE CAN HELP TO STRENGTHEN & EMPOWER OUR COMMUNITY:
The 2008 not guilty verdict in the Sean Bell case evoked outrage, emotion, and debate. It is not an anomaly that the police officers involved in the Sean Bell slaying were acquitted of all charges on all counts in State Supreme Court. I could run out of ink printing the names of people who have been victimized by the inaptly named justice system.
The American justice system has been especially terroristic towards the African American community. Many community members can cite historic and personal accounts to prove this. Therefore, it would be foolhardy (at the least) to turn to a system that has methodically oppressed us, and request that they free us. We can only free ourselves through extreme discipline and intelligent planning.
As a community we have been too compliant with leaders who organize ineffective, delayed reactions. The only strategy that can save us in this last hour is one that calls for a collective code of conduct that will be conducive to improving the conditions of our community, and shifting the paradigm of how we are treated by outside entities. The first step of this code of conduct should be based on economics.
The old adage of “money talks,” still reigns true in the new millennium. Any political scientist worth his or her library card will tell you that: “Economic powerlessness equals political powerlessness,” and conversely “economic power equals political power.” This means that if we continue to allow our wealth to be extracted from our community, we will remain impotent.
The power of the collective “Black Dollar” is often discussed. However, that power has been left unchanneled. Today is the day to change that. A one-time boycott is not going to bring long-term change and respect to our community. Our community has launched boycotts before. Our success and ascension will be based on what we consistently do. For this reason, we should initiate “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS.”
BUY BLACK FRIDAYS is a small step towards our community acquiring power via controlling our economics. Every Friday, people who acknowledge the injustice and oppression that the African American community has been consistently subjected to should do one of the following:
Option #1: Spend $0 on Friday
Option #2: Spend no more than $10 on Friday
Option #3: Only Shop at Black Businesses on Friday
[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE OPTIONS CAN & SHOULD BE EXERCISED ON A DAILY BASIS. However, we can all at the very least focus on Fridays. This way we can take a collective stand and build our collective discipline. Please remember that this is only Phase 1!].
To the people who are tempted to label “BUY BLACK FRIDAYS” as racist, I say this: In the big scheme of things, this is about right & wrong, justice & injustice. The African American community is a strong, proud community that has endured the brunt of America’s iron fist. We must stop the pounding. I feel that any fair-minded individual will concur, and join in.
ANY business that is privileged to enjoy the support of the African American community MUST return that support.
I thank you in advance for your effort and dedication.
-Elsie Law AKA Starface
“Sometimes I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can they deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me.” -Zora Neale Hurston
Born on this day, February 5, in 1935, baseball great Hank Aaron holds a lot of records.
Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron played in the Negro American League, the minor league, and the major league. He holds the following records: The most seasons as an All-Star, the most All-Star Game selections, the most All-Star Games played (tied with two other players), MLB most career runs batted in, most career extra base hits, and most career total bases. At one point, he also held the record for the most home runs. He broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” -Scott Adams
Warren H. Wheeler was the founder of the first African-American owned airlines. His company was called Wheeler Flying Service. It was based in Durham, North Carolina.
“I am a strong advocate of having a back-up plan, especially as it relates to our income and livelihood. When we have such a plan, we have options, and options give us a sense of freedom and peace of mind.” -Dr. Joy DeGruy
On this day, February 3, in 1903, Jack Johnson, the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion, won his first title bout.
“Dedication, determination, and discipline. The dedication to stay focused on your goals, the determination to overcome all obstacles, and the discipline to sacrifice what it takes to achieve your destiny.” -Dr. Sampson Davis
