In the 1960s, African-American civil rights leaders led this country out of institutionalized discrimination in social and political realms. During this movement, millionaires were created as a result of society's segregation and injustice. By creating our own markets that cater to African-American consumers -- sometimes the result of savvy, often the result of lack of choice -- black businesses grew and created jobs, wealth and prosperous, sustainable communities like Chatham.At the Chatham Business Association, I have the privilege of engaging with high-achieving, innovative entrepreneurs every day who live, just as their predecessors did, according to Malcolm X's creed: "Daring to reach, to climb, to crawl, to scratch, to get back up when you've been knocked down, to push forward -- ever forward -- to forgive. It means sacrificing everything if necessary, to carve out a place for your own existence. It means living." Despite my interaction with successful black business every day, I often am asked why the legacy of the African-American business community seems to have dissipated.
In this century, institutionalized discrimination has economic consequences. Every business -- no matter how large or small, and no matter who owns it -- has to analyze its strengths and weaknesses in order to maximize productivity, to grow and thrive. If there are any shortcomings, such as lack of talent or access to capital, preventing black businesses from growing to scale, we need to take action to help ensure their survival and success.
I often am reminded by my mentor, William Garth, that blacks have to lead and be active participants in their own "community transformation." Blacks have to support policymakers committed to transforming an education system that gives children the tools and knowledge needed to succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Inadequate education has depleted our skilled workforce pool. History has shown that the basic ingredients for creating a successful business and transforming communities is an entrepreneur with a good idea, as well as the training and access to talent necessary to achieving it.
Transformation calls for corporations, governments and industrious organizations like CBA to ensure that black businesses have access to mainstream opportunities so we can fully contribute to the U.S. economy. The CBA ensures businesses have access to high-speed Internet and affordable, ongoing technical support.
Source: Chicago Business | Melinda Kelly is executive director of the Chatham Business Association in Chicago.
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